River Geomorphologist - NIWA

• Permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week)
• $90,000 to $120,000, depending on skills and experience

Job / Position Specific Summary

ESNZ is seeking an experienced river geomorphologist to contribute to and lead a variety of research and applied science projects in the area of river geomorphology, with a particular focus on quantitative analysis, including analysis of large remote sensing datasets and application of new and existing reach-to-catchment scale models of river dynamics (hydrodynamics, suspended sediment, and/or bedload).

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the analysis of geospatial data, field data and development of automated routines for model pre- and post-processing;
• Scoping and preparing proposals for commercial initiatives, projects, tenders and/or solutions;
• Having responsibility for leading report writing, authoring scientific papers, preparing client proposals, and the management of client projects;
• Contributing to science strategy and planning, actively assisting and providing input into individual project planning and workload completion.

About you

You'll bring the following:

• A PhD in river geomorphology or environmental/civil/natural resources engineering.
• Approximately 10 years' (or more) experience post PhD.
• Strong analytical skills, with a good foundation across some of the following topics:
  • Suspended sediment transport/load monitoring and analysis
  • 1D/2D hydrodynamic and/or morphodynamic modelling
  • River geomorphology analysis
  • Analysis of large geospatial datasets e.g. Google Earth Engine
• Proficiency in data analysis/automation preferably in Python, R or MatLab.
• Well-developed and proven writing skills for funding proposals, scientific papers and applied research reports.

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.

This position sits within the NIWA business unit of Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Apply now

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

The timeline for this recruitment process around the Easter holiday period is as follows:

Screening and short-listing: 6 -10 April

Interviews for short-listed candidates: 13-17 April

Reference # 60262

Posted on 12 Mar 2026

Closes on 05 Apr :55

Location(s) Christchurch

Expertise Science, Biosecurity, Chemistry, Toxicology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Marine & Freshwater Science, Physical Sciences, Materials Science, Laboratory & Technical Services, Environmental sustainability