NIWA is a dynamic research organisation and New Zealand's largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater, and marine science. Our core purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand's aquatic resources and environments, to provide an understanding of climate and the atmosphere, and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

What we're looking for:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall operational management of a newly built biological production facility, ensuring it operates as a commercially viable enterprise. NIWA's new commercial scale experimental Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility at our Northland Marine Research Centre will help us introduce new high-value species into New Zealand's aquaculture sector. Success will be measured by:

(i) the rate and scale of development of RAS-based production within the NZ industry and delivery on commercial targets, and

(ii) the support given to research and innovation to ensure the facility remains at the forefront of RAS research, development, and skills-based training for the commercial production of high value species.

The Manager - RAS Operations will work with others to advance industry uptake and realisation of RAS-based operations.

What you will bring:

• Previous experience in operations management of production facilities which combine engineering and biological systems.
• A deep understanding of key skills and enabling technologies to realise our commercial targets and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Support for research and development to drive positive change in the aquaculture sector
• Enthusiasm for the transformation and sustainable growth of NZ aquaculture and the energy to make it happen.
• Experience in the development of RAS facilities and commercial production of premium aquaculture products would be an advantage.

The appointee will join a high-performance, collaborative science and management team at NMRC. Effective team participation and strong interpersonal skills are paramount to match NIWA's values.

The position is based at NIWA's Northland Marine Research Centre in Ruakaka. The NMRC is New Zealand's principal aquaculture research facility and aquaculture industrial park, comprising eight hectares of coastal land with infrastructure and resource consent to draw and discharge seawater from Bream Bay.

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