We are seeking a Freshwater Hydro-Ecologist to contribute to and lead research and consultancy work that supports water resources management. Specific project topics may range include water allocation, physical habitat modelling and ecological flow requirements, and ecological indicator development with a focus on the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. The position's primary focus is to carry out research and consulting projects that will:

• Develop and champion NIWA tools that ensure freshwater resource management decision-making is based on the best hydro-ecological information, particularly with respect to maintaining and improving fish and invertebrate communities and water quality.
• Providing internal and external advice on technical approaches to achieve national and regional policy objectives for water allocation and limit setting.
• Develop and maintain relationships with councils, government agencies and stakeholder groups (including Māori and iwi).
• Secure consulting revenue for NIWA through preparation of proposals and tenders, and client relationship building.

What you will bring:

• A PhD in Environmental Science (Hydrology, Ecology or Water Resources)
• At least 3 years post-PhD in a research or consulting position with well-developed computer programming skills in R, Matlab or similar modern languages.
• Experience with freshwater science and management issues, including water allocation, ecological flow requirements and the restoration of instream habitats and ecological communities.
• Qualified candidates will have advanced skills that will complement the NIWA team's existing strengths. These will include ability to quantify stressor-response relationships for aquatic biota, particularly in the context of multiple and/or cumulative stressors, and experience with migratory species ecology and management.
• Preferred candidates will have experience in providing consulting services in aquatic science and management, and have experience leading projects and managing project teams and budgets.
• You will be a positive team player, with highly developed written and verbal communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving attitude.

We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point referenced in the position description, please still get in touch!

NIWA offers flexible working options (e.g., part-time, flexible start and finish times). We are happy to discuss potential flexible options for this position at the interview stage.

NIWA promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and pride ourselves on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.

Providing a safe working environment for our people is paramount to us and that is why we have implemented a COVID-19 Vaccinated Workplace Policy, which requires all new employees and contractors to be fully vaccinated, where medically able, before joining our team