Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Modernize legacy tools: Transition to a cutting-edge SaaS platform.
- Develop with Next.js & React: Build and refine front-ends, or learn on the job.
- Optimize data models: Shape and maintain spatial data in PostgreSQL/Supabase.
Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role
We're after a Senior Developer who enjoys solving tricky spatial problems and getting modern web apps into the hands of real users. You'll join a tight-knit squad that's replacing ageing GIS systems with a fresh stack—Next.js, PostgreSQL/Supabase, and AWS. Expect plenty of pair-programming, open conversations, and shared ownership. If you like mapping data, clean code, and learning on the fly, you'll fit right in.
If you don't tick all the boxes, but still think you have what it takes to succeed in the role, we encourage you to apply.
Te āhua o te mahi – How we work
We're a small team within Location Information that values curiosity, spirit, and can-do attitude. Everyone codes, everyone reviews, everyone learns. We use AI developer tools, like Claude Code, so you need to be cool with that.
Day-to-day you'll:
- Help move legacy tools to a modern SaaS platform.
- Build and refine front-ends with Next.js & React—or learn them here.
- Shape spatial data models in PostgreSQL/Supabase and keep them humming.
- Lend a hand with AWS infrastructure and security when needed.
- Automate tests and deployments through our CI/CD pipelines.
He pūkenga tou - What you'll bring
Key Capability:
- Comfortable or eager to learn full stack development. We jump from UI to database in one sentence.
- Genuine interest in mapping, GIS, or data-heavy products.
- Comfort—or enthusiasm to learn—cloud hosting and DevOps basics (AWS, CI/CD, CDK).
- Habit of writing clean, maintainable code and helping others do the same.
- Ability to work openly in a team: pair-programming, code reviews, honest discussions.
Preferred, our ideal candidate may also have:
- Experience with interactive mapping libraries (MapLibre, Mapbox, Leaflet, etc.).
- Familiarity with auth flows or row-level security concepts.
- Know-how in performance tuning for large datasets.
- A track record of mentoring teammates or guiding technical decisions.
- Degree in GIS, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent practical experience.
- Several years developing production software (we're flexible on the exact number).
- Examples of leading by attitude—helping teammates, asking good questions, staying curious.
Why join our team?
- Impact – Replace old systems with new ones.
- Growth – Space to try new tech, backed by a supportive team.
- People first – Pair-coding, healthy work-life balance, and a say in how we work.
Development Tooling & Deployment: Experience with Vercel deployment, modern development workflows, and code quality tools (Prettier, ESLint).
If you're an intelligent and optimistic developer with a passion for learning and a desire to shape the future of geospatial technology, we encourage you to apply.
Qualifications and Experience
- Computer Science or GIS degree, or related fields and at least 5 years experience.
- Proven ability to work independently and lead junior team members effectively.
The expected appointing range for this role is: $125,000 - $138,000, dependant on experience.
Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau – What we offer our employees
- Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
- Eye & ear care reimbursements
- Annual Flu Vaccinations
- Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
- Diverse groups and networks
- If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
- A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave
Te Tākinatanga - Our Story
Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea, and waterways). Whether you are developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations. Now and for future generations.
Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Māori, Pacific, and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan
Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they are not a 100% match, but we are not looking for perfection, we are looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance, and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.
Tono mai - How to Apply
If you are eyeing up this role and believe you have got what it takes, please apply, or contact the team.
To apply, please click “Apply Online.” You will be taken through to our Toitū Te Whenua Careers Centre where you will be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You will be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter.
Please note, while applications close Wednesday, 16 July 2025, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.
You may notice that the Position Description title for this role (Digital Specialist Level 3) does not match the advertised title. At Toitū Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.
If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitū Te Whenua, please email opportunities@linz.govt.nz and our Recruitment Team will be in touch with you.