Research and development
SCIENTIST - COASTAL AND MARINE
Waikato Regional Council · 201-1000 employees
Hamilton, WaikatoYesterday
$102k-$116k a yearOnsiteFull timeContractEntry level
What the role involves
- Supporting habitat mapping
- Assessing ecological change
- Managing ecological data
What they ask for
MSc or PhD in marine science, ecology, or related field; experience in marine/estuarine ecology and field research; skills in ecological data analysis and statistics (R preferred); willingness to undertake fieldwork.
- Doctorate
About the job
Expressions of Interest | Coastal and Marine Scientist
This fixed-term opportunity (January - June 2027) is particularly suited to recent PhD graduates, post-doctoral researchers, or early-career scientists seeking applied experience in coastal and marine science.
You will
- Support estuarine habitat mapping field programmes and post-fieldwork analysis.
- Assist investigation of sedimentation impacts and ecological change within Waikato estuaries.
- Contribute to rocky reef and estuarine vegetation health assessments and coastal ecology monitoring programmes.
- Undertake ecological data management, statistical analysis, reporting and scientific communication.
About you
- MSc or PhD completed or nearing completion in marine science, ecology, environmental science or related subject.
- Experience with benthic or estuarine ecology and field-based research.
- Skills in ecological monitoring, data analysis and statistics (R preferred).
- GIS and scientific writing experience advantageous.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
- Willingness to undertake fieldwork.
Qualifications and experience
- MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline.
- Experience with marine, estuarine or aquatic ecology.
- Experience with ecological data analysis and reporting.
- Experience with GIS and quantitative ecological methods desirable.
About the team
- The Coastal and Marine Science Team delivers monitoring, research and science advice across the Waikato region.
- Work includes estuarine, coastal and rocky reef ecology programmes.
- Opportunity to gain practical science experience within a regional council environment.
- Collaboration with experienced scientists during the 2026-27 summer field season.
To Express your Interest
- Click Apply and include your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest as a PDF.
- For a copy of the role description, please click here to view.
- If you have any questions about this opportunity, email: Michael.townsend@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Closing date: Friday 27 November 2026
Applying for this job
What to show on your CV
- It asks for this qualification: Doctorate. Name yours exactly as it's awarded, with the year you finished.
- It names R and GIS. Use the same words on your CV for the ones you've used, so a search finds them.
- For the work it describes, like "Supporting habitat mapping", give an example from your own experience, with a result you can talk about at an interview.
Our guides to the New Zealand CV format, cover letters and interview questions cover the rest.