- Full time, permanent role (37.5 hours per week)
- Preferably based in Christchurch, New Zealand
- $75,000 to $100,000 depending on skills and experience
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:
We are seeking a Freshwater Ecologist to contribute to and lead projects that improve our understanding of how environmental change affects freshwater ecosystems and support resource management. This is an outstanding opportunity for a freshwater scientist to turn their skills into real impact on government and industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specific projects may include fundamental research on how changes in water quality and habitat affect freshwater values (e.g. food webs, fisheries, nutrient cycles), translation of existing knowledge for environmental impact assessments and decision-making, design and implementation of environmental monitoring and assessment programmes, development of field and lab experiments, and structured literature reviews and syntheses.
We are seeking a very positive team player, with highly developed written and verbal communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving attitude.
What you will bring:
To be successful in this position, you will have a PhD in environmental science (e.g. ecology, fisheries, environmental management), with at least three years post-doctoral experience working in applied freshwater ecology. You will have sound knowledge of freshwater ecology and freshwater management issues and proven research experience in one or several sub-disciplines: periphyton ecology; macroinvertebrate ecology; food webs; ecosystem ecology; and/or fish ecology.
Preferred candidates will have experience in consulting services in aquatic science and management, working knowledge of relevant New Zealand policies and plans (e.g. NPS-FM; regional planning frameworks of councils) and a strong track record of success in obtaining funding from industry, government agencies and/or competitive grants. You will be competent in and/or willing to develop skills in te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori. Experience in statistical analysis and/or quantitative modelling also preferred.
A bit about the position:
The preferred location for this position is Ōtautahi/Christchurch, a revitalised city in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island. NIWA’s Christchurch office is situated near Hagley Park, with easy access to public transport options as well as free parking for staff. Along with remuneration in the range $75,000 to $100,000 depending on skills and experience, we offer a wide range of benefits and the opportunity to be part of a nationwide team of world class freshwater specialists.
The position involves working a 37.5 hour week. 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.
Job Details
Crown research institute: NIWA
Reference #: 49663
Posted on: 20 Jan 2023
Closes on: 05 Feb 2023 23:55
Location(s): Christchurch
Expertise: Marine & Freshwater Science
Job level(s): Scientist
Work type(s): Permanent
More details (document): Freshwater Ecologist – December 2022.pdf
