Aquatic Ecology Technician - NIWA

ESNZ is seeking an enthusiastic aquatic ecology technician with strong field and technical skills to contribute to research and consultancy projects focused on freshwater and marine ecosystems. You will support and lead fieldwork planning and logistics, undertake ecological surveys, maintain equipment and experimental facilities and process samples in the lab. You will also assist with data management, data analysis, and preparation of research papers and client reports.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with the Marine Ecosystems and Biosecurity team and other science groups across ESNZ
• Carrying out freshwater fish surveys in New Zealand rivers and lakes
• Carrying out macroinvertebrate surveys in the field and laboratory processing of samples
• Undertaking marine (and potentially freshwater) ecology and biosecurity dive surveys
• Potentially skippering small boats

About you

You'll bring the following:

• A BSc or MSc in an ecological science or related environmental field
• Proven ability to work independently or as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including planning and leading fieldwork programmes
• Knowledge, skills and experience across some of the following areas:
  • Identification of New Zealand's freshwater macroinvertebrates and fish
  • Electric fishing and fish handling
  • SCUBA diving in marine and freshwater environments
  • Skippering and working from small vessels
• Proficiency in data management and data analysis
• Strong communication skills, a positive attitude and willingness to share knowledge, learn and grow

What we offer

• Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits

About us

Earth Sciences New Zealand is a new entity created from the merger of NIWA and GNS. We're proud of our contribution to science and innovation in Aotearoa and you'll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work has impact. To deliver the science needed to achieve meaningful change, we are committed to providing the best for our people, strengthening domestic and international collaborations, partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, leveraging advanced technologies, and investing wisely in essential assets and infrastructure. We also uphold our environmental responsibilities and maintain a strong focus on financial sustainability, ensuring our work continues to make a lasting difference.

We know that talented people-especially those from underrepresented or neurodiverse communities-sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement in a job description. If this role aligns with your strengths, lived experience, or interests, we'd love to hear from you and we're committed to supporting your growth.

Apply now

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.

Reference # 60264

Posted on 12 Mar 2026

Closes on 12 Apr :55

Location(s) Christchurch

Expertise Animal Science, Forage Science, Food & Bio-based products, Farm Systems & Environment, Food Science & Technologies, Hydrogeology, Marine & Freshwater Science