Senior Freshwater Scientist

Environmental, Earth & Geosciences (Science & Technology)
Full time
Add expected salary to your profile for insights
Location: Christchurch
Position type: Permanent full-time
Closing date: 15 September 2024
Further info: ******
EOS Ecology is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Scientist to join our Otautahi/Christchurch office. Along with working on a diverse range of projects, you will also be supporting our involvement in the 'Wai Connection – Tatai Ki Te Wai' project (www.waiconnection.nz), where we are providing national technical support to the programme.
About EOS Ecology
EOS Ecology provides industry-leading expertise in surface water ecology (freshwater, estuary and coastal ecosystems), public engagement and science communication. Since 2001, our team of scientists and science communicators have worked towards environmental improvement with government, consultants and industry around New Zealand. We also use this expertise to educate and engage – developing and delivering participatory science programmes to school students of all ages and working with community groups towards positive environmental outcomes.
Our team consists of academically qualified and commercially experienced scientists, geospatial and data specialists, catchment group engagement specialists, and graphic designers/science interpreters, and are supported by senior management with over two decades of experience. Our highly skilled staff specialise in freshwater, estuary & coastal ecology, water quality, riparian ecology, and erosion & sediment control.
EOS Ecology works for the environment, having a commitment to a people first, collaborative, kaitiakitanga based approach to projects, undertaken with integrity and a can-do attitude. We consider these to be threshold values when approaching daily tasks. We are committed to achieving the best possible environmental outcomes on every project we undertake, through respectful interactions with all project participants and collaborators, while evidence-based science is at the heart of all our actions and recommendations. We don't cut corners, we're politically neutral and have no agenda beyond the best sustainable environmental outcome possible in each situation.
About the 'Wai connection' Project
You will be involved in our delivery of 'Wai Connection – Tatai Ki Te Wai', which is a catchment community engagement project offering on-the-ground support to assist with catchment issues through tailored change at source. We work to build community involvement, equity, and a shared vision of ecological sustainability as the basis of a healthy community. The project aims to support up to 100 catchment groups across the country, helping empower them through providing knowledge, tools and expert support to help identify and solve issues in their local catchment.
EOS Ecology is the Partner Organisation responsible for delivering 'Wai Connection' in Waitaha/Canterbury. We are also the National Technical Support Team providers, which includes helping develop the project's science and resource content at a national level – providing science, GIS, data and graphic design capabilities to all regions, coordinators and catchments. This includes the development and production of Focus Catchment Map Series documents for catchment groups supported by 'Wai Connection', that summarises modelled and actual data available at national and regional levels, produced utilising science and GIS data analysis tools. We are also responsible for developing the 'Wai Connection' website and scoping an online platform to house citizen science/community-based monitoring data.
The Role
By joining EOS Ecology, you'll contribute to the delivery of a diverse range of projects, from intersecting with components of a project, through to leading and managing them from initial enquiry to delivery of final outputs. Amongst other things, you'll be required to evaluate project requirements and prepare quotes, analyse data, write and peer review reports. You'll undertake assessments, audit resource consent applications, provide ecological design input for construction projects, to name but a few. You'll also work with our team of scientists, GIS specialists, science communicators and engagement personnel to provide science-related support over the life of the 'Wai Connection' project. This will include helping to produce a series of catchment map resources regarding environmental condition and catchment context, and sourcing/analysing/interpreting environmental data against relevant metrics/attribute states. In addition, you will provide specialist support to our 'Wai Connection' regional delivery team as well as Provider Organisations across the country, including providing guidance on catchment management plans, restoration plans, community-based monitoring programmes, helping guide them in the interpretation of scientific data, and providing other general science support.
The Ideal Candidate
In addition to being able to undertake the role as described above, we would expect the successful applicant to have at least 10–15 years' professional experience in freshwater science or a related field (e.g., wetlands, catchment management, conservation, etc). Someone who does not exclusively specialise in freshwater science will be considered if they have complementary expertise and experience. The successful candidate would also be expected to have demonstrable experience in leading and managing science-led projects, planning and implementing environmental assessments, and successfully working in multidisciplinary teams; have a proven track record in data collation and analysis; and have a desire and capability to effectively communicate science to the wider public.
Candidates should be passionate about the environment and have a desire to share that passion with others. You will take pride in your work, have an attention-to-detail approach, and value working for an organisation that acts towards better environmental stewardship.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
This position is responsible for delivering results in the following areas:
Authoring and reviewing technical reports in your area of expertise.
Managing and analysing datasets.
Presenting project findings and outputs to end users and peer groups.
Supporting existing projects, including those involving our citizen science and science engagement programmes.
Working with our team of specialists to deliver science support for the nationwide 'Wai Connection' project.
Contributing to the ongoing growth and development of our science services.
Undertaking other duties consistent with this position.
Qualifications, Personal Attributes & Experience
Suitable candidates will possess the following essential skills/attributes:
A degree in freshwater sciences or equivalent.
Minimum of 10 years' relevant experience.
Strong IT skills, including a detailed knowledge of MS Excel.
Proficiency in the use of statistical analysis and graphing software.
Senior authorship of reports, including AEEs and other technical reports.
Familiarity with NZ's resource management legislation.
An understanding/awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Maori.
Ability to follow processes and document accurately, with a strong attention to detail.
Ability to prioritise and manage your own time, budgets and deadlines.
Maturity, dedication and a personable attitude.
A desire to exchange knowledge with your colleagues, learn and grow.
Current full NZ driver's licence.
Desirable attributes include:
Electrofishing license and NZ freshwater fish identification skills.
Riparian, wetland and aquatic plant species identification skills.
Knowledge and experience in wetland ecology.
Experience in developing/contributing to catchment management plans.
In return, EOS Ecology can offer a friendly and energetic workplace, supportive team environment and the opportunity to be part of a successful and highly regarded provider of science & engagement services.
To be successful you must clearly demonstrate you've the attributes outlined above. If you do, we'd be very keen to receive your covering letter and CV.
Your application will include the following questions:
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
How many years' experience do you have as a Scientist?
Report this job advert Don't provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs.

#J-18808-Ljbffr