Senior Advisor - Foundational Science

• New role
• Fixed term or Secondment opportunity to 30 June 2028
• Auckland/Wellington or Christchurch based

About us

The Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) takes a long-term view of how New Zealand’s towns, cities and regions grow and change. We work across housing, transport, the environment, urban development, infrastructure and investment, and partner closely with local government.

We provide joined-up policy and investment advice to government, support effective regulation and market settings, and work with others to help deliver affordable housing, connected communities, well-planned infrastructure, and a healthy, sustainable environment.

About the role

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Advisor to join our Foundational Science team.

The Foundational Science team provides specialist science advice across the organisation and is responsible for ensuring robust science is available to inform decision making for Ministry priority areas.

The purpose of this role is to support the development and implementation of Environmental Limits as part of the Government's Planning and Environmental System Transformation programme.

The specific focus of the role will be on environmental monitoring and data, related to proposed environmental limits to be set under the Natural Environment Act 2026 (NEA) across water, air, soil, and biodiversity domains.

Key areas of responsibility of this role include:

• Developing a work programme related to the implementation of environmental limits monitoring requirements and guidance set through national standards under the NEA, and the management and use of the environmental data generated.
• Working closely with Environmental Reporting, System Performance, Data and Digital, Compliance and Enforcement, Policy and Implementation teams to ensure alignment regarding treatment of environmental monitoring and data.
• Managing a programme of work including procurement oversight, contract management, stakeholder engagement, collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts, responding to information requests, and peer-review.

Skills and experience

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• Extensive subject matter expertise and practical experience in Regional Council environmental monitoring and data, preferably across environmental domains.
• Broad environmental science knowledge base and ability to move between science domains when required.
• Sound understanding of resource management and local government, and experience working across science, policy, and implementation.
• Experience managing a programme of work and procuring and managing science contracts.
• A collaborative mindset, and strong writing and presenting skills.
• An ability to manage competing deadlines and very comfortable in working with ambiguity.
• A commitment to further developing your cultural capability in te ao Māori.
• Experience with data management including skill in coding and/or management of spatial data an advantage.

Salary range

Salary range for the role is $111,827 - $135,738. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.

Apply now

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

If you require further information about the position, please contact recruitment@mcert.govt.nz

We are committed to equal opportunities and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We support our people to work in ways that help them do their best. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

We want our recruitment process to be fair and accessible for everyone. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know or get in touch at recruitment@mcert.govt.nz.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

Note: if you are considering a secondment please speak with your Manager before submitting your application.

Applications close:  Tuesday, 20 October 2026