Environmental Scientist Positions

3 specialist positions within an organisation, navigating their way to be the centre of excellence for environmental research with a Māori focus.

x3 Roles - Marine Scientist, Freshwater Scientist, Environmental Scientist ( Climate, Hazard, Atmosphere).

Negotiable but preferably based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Nelson, or Christchurch

Ko wai mātou? - Who we are

Piki mai kake mai rā ki te toi o Tāwhirimatea, o Taihoro Nukurangi e. Toro atu ki te rangi e tū ake nei, rere kau iho ki ngā kōngutuawa, puta atu ki te moana o Tangaroa-whakamau-tai. Mai i te moana, ki te rangi ko Taihoro Nukurangi e, Ko Taihoro Nukurangi e .

NIWA is New Zealand's leading provider of natural resources and environmental research and applied science services, specialising in atmospheric, climate, freshwater and marine research, with more than 600 staff in 15 sites around New Zealand. You will be part of a team of dedicated Māori researchers in NIWA’s National Centre for Māori Environmental Research (Te KÅ«waha) with a vision to work in partnership with Māori to enable complementary knowledge systems and support kaitiakitanga to provide environmental research excellence that enhances the social, environmental, and economic aspirations of whānau, hapÅ« and iwi, Māori  communities and Māori business. The Centre provides environmental research of benefit to Māori through the formation of robust and meaningful partnerships with iwi, hapÅ« and Māori organisations. Working collaboratively with Māori, to responds to Māori their research priorities . across ocean, freshwater and climate science areas including aquaculture, taonga species research, restoration of mahinga kai, natural hazards, and climate change adaptation.

Te āhua o ngā TÅ«runga - The nature of the positions. 

Marine Scientist - Te KÅ«waha.  Ref: M145

The newly created position will be heavily involved in projects that collaborate with, and service the needs of whānau/hapū/iwi and Māori economic entities in estuarine, coastal and oceanic environs.

Applicants with skillsets in the marine sciences including (but not limited to) marine ecology, marine biosecurity, marine benthic ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, social/humanities research, policy, and Mātauranga Māori are invited to apply. Preparing and assisting with the development of Māori-related funding applications, proposals, and tenders, will require previous experience and a demonstrated track record in conducting and leading environmental research with Māori communities, indigenous communities, or industry.

Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate marine scientific field with an emphasis on indigenous research priorities/methodologies are essential to application.

Freshwater Scientist - Te KÅ«waha. Ref M146

We are seeking a freshwater researcher with experience in working at the interface between science and Te Ao Māori to meet the research priorities and aspirations of whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori communities and enterprises.

The scope of this position will span several core areas across freshwater science including freshwater ecology, freshwater fisheries, hydrology, water quality, ecotoxicology, social/humanities research, policy, and Mātauranga Māori.

You will be required to develop research opportunities, prepare proposals, plan research, manage projects and complete reports and research publications.

Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate field are essential with an emphasis on indigenous research priorities and methodologies essential.

Environmental Scientist - Te KÅ«waha - Climate/Hazards/Atmosphere. Ref: M147

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Environmental Researcher to contribute to NIWA’s research and consultancy projects and to facilitate the application of mātauranga Māori and science for the benefit of, and with the Māori community (whānau/hapū/iwi and economic entities).

The research areas of this position will span several areas, crossing into climate, atmosphere, natural hazards, and environmental forecasting sciences. Regularly planning and undertaking phases of work for projects, you will have robust project management skills which will enable your vigorous contingency planning, as you routinely lead medium size projects, and occasionally leading large, complex projects.

A Tertiary qualification in relevant science discipline such as mātauranga Māori, atmospheric/climate-related sciences, natural hazards, social science, humanities, environmental economics, or data science is perquisite to your application to this position.

Ngā tino Pūkenga/Wheako - Essential skills/experiences for the role

The skill set to engage, conduct research, and operate at the interface between science and Te Ao Māori, and established relationships across the Māori science sector is highly desirable in each position.

Expertise, knowledge, and skills required for all 3 positions will include.

All positions require knowledge and understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te reo Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and a demonstrated ability working with diverse communities:

Skilled in the contribution to strategic planning and project prioritisation processes.

Highly experienced in developing research funding proposals within contestable processes and environments.

Past experience which demonstrates leading and managing research teams in partnership with hapū, iwi and Māori communities.

Sound scientific report writing, and experience in driving external research partnership opportunities.

Ability to clearly impart information verbally and in written form to non-specialists including Māori communities.

People leadership experience, a sound relationship builder who has the proven capability to empower and enhance the mana of others