We are an enthusiastic bunch of people at Taranaki Regional Council, helping the region continue to be an enviable place to live, play and do business.

Our mission is to work for a thriving Taranaki by promoting the sustainable use, development and protection of our natural and physical resources, and advocating for the region's best interests.

Mo te tunga - About the role

The position of Scientist - Land and Water is responsible for contributing specialist expertise, knowledge and technical leadership in the areas of soil and water chemistry, and compliance with resource consents across multiple industries in Taranaki. You will use your skills to develop, coordinate and deliver environmental monitoring programmes, research and investigations, and contribute specialist input across a wide range of council activities.

This varied and interesting role will have you working in close collaboration with staff across the council to provide technical advice and guidance that will inform both regional and national policy development and implementation, and support the wider Environment Quality group in the delivery of consent monitoring programmes.

Mou - About you

You will have a passion for the environment, and interest in working at the interface of science and policy. You will bring both technical knowledge and practical experience in scientific data collection, analysis and reporting, along with a sound understanding of soil and water chemistry. Strong relationship building and communication skills are a key aspect of this role. Familiarity with the Resource Management Act 1991, National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, and relevant national standards and regulations would be advantageous.

You will need a relevant qualification in earth sciences and have experience applying this knowledge.

We like to set people up for success so you'll be a leading applicant if you also have the following:

• An ability to design, implement and manage environmental monitoring and research programmes relating to land use impacts on receiving freshwater, groundwater and coastal/marine environments
• Good data management skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office suite, database and information systems. Prior exposure to Iris, Hilltop and ESRI GIS, and experience using 'R' or similar programming language will be viewed favourably
• Ability to collate and analyse scientific data and information, and communicate this information in an engaging and informative way
• Ability to manage multiple jobs, remaining flexible and agile in your approach
• Versatile and resourceful, with exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills
• Practical experience working in the field, with a full driver's licence

What's on offer?

Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great Environmental Assurance team within our Environment Quality department. We do offer job training opportunities as well as the programmes to assist further career development. We have an active social club, long service leave days, and many other perks. However, the best part is working alongside fantastic people who are truly dedicated to the Taranaki region.