Job Details

Location:	Wellington
Category:	Environmental Science & monitoring
Position Type:	Permanent - Full Time
Job Reference:	GW/1316421
Attachments:	Senior Environmental Scientist Job Description Jan 2018.pdf (PDF, 239KB) Job Description Application Fact Sheet.pdf (PDF, 252KB) Factsheet

Senior Environmental Scientist – Soil Science

We need a motivated and enthusiastic Senior Soil Scientist to join our Land, Ecology and Climate Team within our Environmental Science Department. This position may be based in either the Masterton or the Wellington office. We are looking for an applied scientist who is able to listen and respond to the information needs of the council, and our region's communities and iwi.

This is an exciting opportunity to help develop and communicate land science in the Wellington region. With changes in New Zealand's resource management legislation and the resulting need to set limits to manage to land and water values, an increasing emphasis on understanding the inter-relationships of land and water is occurring. As a result we need to advance a number of programmes to ensure provision of information to the council's collaborative planning process (whaitua), regional plan and national-level policies. This position will also contribute to the understanding of soil and land management for water quality improvement.

Our soil science programme involves region-wide soil health monitoring, as well as targeted scientific studies associated with the land management activities. You will work alongside highly motivated and experienced scientific staff across multidisciplinary projects and also deliver robust science to inform council's collaborative planning process (whaitua) and regional plan. 

Working across the research sector is core to many of our programmes with a strong emphasis on collaborative science and engagement.  As a result we work with many of the leading research organisations in New Zealand to deliver the best information to inform resource management in our region.

To be successful in this role you will have:

* Relevant post-graduate qualifications, preferably at a doctorate level in soil science

* A high level of written skills, including a demonstrated ability to undertake scientific investigations, analysis and reporting 

* Proven ability to present science to a wide range of audiences, including iwi, stakeholders and community groups

* A working knowledge of soil and land monitoring techniques, experimental design, QA/QC and management of environmental data

* Sound understanding of resource management legislation in relation to New Zealand  

* Strong networking skills and the ability to mentor others

* Understanding of the importance of working in partnerships with others

* Good communication and interpersonal skills

The wider Environmental Science Department provides scientific, monitoring and investigative services to the council spanning terrestrial ecosystems, air quality, surface water, groundwater and marine quality, including associated ecosystems. Our vision is to empower decision-making through our science. We will achieve our vision through four goals:

* Being a leader in environmental science

* Providing trusted science

* Empowering others with our information

* Working in partnership with mana whenua

To apply for this position please click below for the job description and online application form.

For further information please contact Philippa Crisp, Team Leader, Land, Ecology and Climate on 04 830 4131, or Lea Pannu, Human Resources Coordinator on 04 830 4013.

Applications Close: 2nd February 2018