Senior Groundwater Scientist
- Drive water quality, safety and security for the entire region
- Ensure sustainability and resource management is top of mind for all
- Secure a unique role with great benefits in a stunning region!
We are proud to be the exclusive scientific recruitment partner of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council as we commence the search for a Groundwater Scientist.
Located on the eastern coast of the North Island, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable development, water quality, land use planning, and conservation initiatives. Receiving around 2,200 hours of annual sunshine, the Hawke’s Bay is known as one of NZ’s sunniest regions whilst also boasting a vibrant vineyard, art deco architecture, and hugely scenic landscape!
HBRC focuses on environmental protection, flood control, regional planning, and promoting economic growth while preserving the region’s unique natural heritage. With a commitment to community engagement and collaboration, HBRC strives to address the diverse needs of its residents and safeguard the region’s environmental well-being for current and future generations. And this is where you come in…
About the role
As part of the Environmental Science team, the role of the Groundwater Scientist is responsible for developing the council’s groundwater programs and providing strategic direction to the management of groundwater resources in Hawke’s Bay region.
This role will see you:
- Deliver expert guidance and support in developing HBRC’s Annual and Long Term Plans.
- Develop and manage groundwater programs to assist with understanding the impacts caused by resource development.
- Undertake field and research investigations to assist with characterising groundwater systems, reducing uncertainty and assisting with the development of resource management plans.
- Produce technical reports, present findings, and provide advice to a range of stakeholders, including, when required providing expert evidence in relation to hearings and enforcement proceedings.
- Procure contractors, manage budgets and, co-ordinate and mentor staff.
- Deliver on project outcomes and display sound and responsible judgment in the decision making process.
Skills & Experience
We’re are seeking someone with specific experience in groundwater analysis and ideally 5 years’ minimum experience in a similar role or relevant industry.
You will have a good understanding of the principles of groundwater flow and methodology, and you’ll be a natural at solving complex and multi-objective problems.
Other key required skills include:
- Recognised tertiary qualification in an environmental science or engineering discipline, ideally with a specific hydrogeology post-graduate qualification.
- Knowledge of NZ (or country of origin) water resource management, including the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and the limit-setting process.
- Strong understanding of groundwater flow and transport mechanics, including complex interactions with surface water and the various methods available to investigate resulting physical and chemical changes.
- Experience with analysis and modelling of spatial and time-series groundwater data.
- Experience designing regional groundwater monitoring networks to support surface water and groundwater models, characterising groundwater systems and reporting on the state of the environment.
- Experience assessing activity impacts such as groundwater pumping, point-source, and diffuse discharges.
- An understanding and application of statistical methods used in water resources such as hypothesis and trend tests.
- Proven experience with programming languages such as, but not limited to, R, Python, and FORTRAN for data manipulation, analysis and statistical computing.
- Experience using GIS software such as ESRI or QGIS
Benefits
The salary range for the Senior Groundwater role is between $102,870-114,300. This will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
Other staff benefits on top of the salary include options around flexible working, great work-life balance, a range of insurance benefits, 5 weeks annual leave after 3 years’ service, an increase to 4% KiwiSaver contribution after 3 years of service as examples.
More information on staff benefits can be found via this link: https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/careers/working-with-us/
How to apply
If you’re interested to find out more, please APPLY NOW or contact Gary on 09 200 3124 for a confidential discussion TODAY.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are an Immigration accredited employer. We are willing to accept applications from both within and outside New Zealand, however preference may be given to applicants who have secured the right to work in New Zealand and hold a valid work visa.