Marine Ecologist - Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington

We are currently on the hunt for an Intermediate to Senior Ecologist who is looking at taking the next step in their career.

Be part of this exciting journey as the marine sector across New Zealand grows, and with it our expertise, knowledge and people. Our friendly, supportive and high-performing culture stands us apart and your advanced technical expertise alongside your proven project and communication skills will set you up for success in this role.

At Tonkin + Taylor you'll be working on rewarding and challenging projects right from the start with the opportunity to contribute to great ecological outcomes, work directly with clients and to manage your own projects and work programme. You will have the opportunity to work in a range of coastal marine environments, with a range of NZ marine fauna and flora and on diverse projects and with a great team of technical specialists.

We would love to know what gets you out of bed in the morning to help you shape this role for yourself and to suit your strengths and experience, but as a starting point the sort of work you can expect to be involved includes:

• A range of scientific and ecological technical services in a variety of marine ecosystems, including habitat mapping and assessments, marine water quality and fauna surveys, marine ecological evaluations and marine species management
• Development and implementation of marine ecology and water quality monitoring and investigation programmes with associated data analysis and reporting
• Report writing, including preparation of opportunities and constraints assessments, technical reports, compliance reports, ecological management/restoration plans and ecological impact assessment reports
• Planning, coordinating, and leading fieldwork and project delivery activities in collaboration with multi-disciplinary project teams
• Ecology related regulatory policy and integrated scientific, engineering and ecological services
• Engaging with mana whenua to understand the cultural values of marine ecosystems, taonga species and ways to incorporate mātauranga Māori into managing effects and restoring and enhancing the marine environment
• Sustainable development (conservation, ecosystem services, biodiversity, urban development, ecosystem restoration and enhancement) initiatives and operations at regional, national and international levels, e.g. climate change adaptation programmes for nations in the South Pacific
• Science innovation for improved resource management including input to nature-based solutions and policy/best practice development
• Liaison with T+T staff, Council personnel, DOC representatives and other stakeholders
• Mentoring and helping develop younger staff across marine and other ecological disciplines

Na tōu rourou | What you'll bring 

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in Ecology, Zoology, Botany or closely related discipline, MSc desirable
• 5+ years' professional work experience in a consulting, regulatory and / or research environment
• Species identification and management skills of marine fauna, coastal birds and flora
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Proven experience with client engagement and relationship management
• High level of organisation, time management, able to manage competing demands in a fast-paced work environment
• Demonstrated project management skills and strong business acumen
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills, including experience preparing technical ecology reports, including compliance reports
• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities
• Solution focused with problem solving skills, initiative and a critical thinker
• Attention to detail and high presentation and professional standards
• Skills in water quality and chemistry are an advantage
• Certified fauna handler (e.g. penguins) an advantage
• GPS, GIS skills and digital mapping competency an advantage
• A desire to work in large and supportive nationally focused Ecology team with a diversity of skills-sets
• Preference for those with Council hearing, Environment Court or Board of Enquiry experience
• A passion for ecology that drives you to be at the forefront of ecological practice in New Zealand
• CEnvP (Ecology) specialisation an advantage

Mō tō mātou āhuatanga | Who we are

Tonkin + Taylor is New Zealand's leading engineering and environmental consultancy, renowned for our technical excellence in solving complex challenges. We are proudly a New Zealand, employee-owned company and our collective mission is to create and sustain a better world.

At T+T, we strongly believe that it's our people that keep our clients coming back.  Our staff are known for delivering award-winning solutions, working collaboratively, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.  They are our greatest asset, and we invest in their development, well-being, and their career aspirations. 

We are proud to have a diverse Ecology + Water Science consulting team in New Zealand with a range of technical specialists within the team and more broadly in Tonkin + Taylor. With that comes great collaboration and opportunities for our staff!

Ngā Hua | Our benefits

• Exposure to a variety of professional experts and projects; T+T are involved in a number of large-scale alliance projects, as well as smaller community focused projects
• A highly supportive team environment where you are encouraged to pave your own career path that caters to your own personal pathway
• Professional memberships and continued education support
• A flexible working culture and formal flexible working arrangements including part time working and ability to purchase extra leave
• Internal training programs
• Mentoring programs
• $500 annual wellbeing allowance and wellbeing programme
• A very active social club
• Free fruit baskets and morning teas (we love morning teas at T+T!)
• Additional parental leave, salary top-up and a back to work coaching programme (as per policy)
• State of the art, modern and contemporary offices

We embrace flexible working at T+T and aim to work in a way that serves the needs of our people, clients and communities. Our flexible working culture enables us to work flexibly to create better work and life experiences. We welcome applicants who wish to work part-time or flexible hours.

Toroa tā mātou pae tukutuku mō ētehi atu kōrero | For more information, check out our website

APPLY NOW! Or for further information on T+T, go to: http://www.tonkintaylor.co.nz. T+T is not only a place to work - it's a place where your work will make a difference. 

'Everyone Matters' is one of our three core values at T+T, and we are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce who foster inclusion, participation, and equal opportunity.

We are proud to be an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer, a member of Diversity Works, and Partners of TupuToa and Pūhoro STEMM Academy. We particularly encourage speakers of Te Reo Māori or Pacific languages to apply.

T+T are proud to be part of the Rainbow Tick Whānau and welcome applicants from rainbow communities.