Coastal Scientist
Job Description
Closing Date: 26/07/2026
Salary: $112,000.00 - $124,000.00
Job Type: Fixed term - Full time
Location: Picton, Marlborough
Job Category: Environmental Science & Policy Department
Mo tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
Council‘s Nautical and Coastal Team has an opportunity for a Coastal Scientist, on a fixed-term basis, providing parental leave cover. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse range of coastal monitoring, research and environmental management programmes that help shape the future of our region.
Based in Picton, you will work alongside a dedicated team of scientists and specialists, contributing to the delivery of coastal and marine monitoring programmes and provide technical expertise relating to coastal ecology, water quality and environmental management. The Marlborough region is home to the Marlborough Sounds, the Cook Strait and the exposed east coast. This complex marine environment is full of picturesque landscapes and unique ecology. The role requires someone with a broad range of desktop and fieldwork skills.
Some of the responsibilities will include:
Delivering coastal state of the environment monitoring programmes.
Monitoring coastal water quality, intertidal habitats and sites of ecological significance.
Collecting, analysing and managing environmental and geospatial data.
Contributing to environmental investigations and research projects.
Preparing technical reports and state of the environment reporting.
Providing specialist advice for resource consents, compliance and policy development.
Working with internal teams, iwi, stakeholders, consultants and contractors.
Identifying opportunities to improve monitoring methodologies and adopt new technologies.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
We’re committed to building an inclusive, respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome people from all backgrounds and support equitable opportunities, open-minded collaboration, and the growth of cultural understanding.
To enable our people to succeed and make an impact, we offer:
A Salary range of $112,000 to $124,000 per annum FTE (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer)
Strong health, safety and wellbeing focussed culture
EAP support, wellness initiatives and access to Marlborough Chamber of Commerce retail discounts
Meaningful work that supports our people and community.
Ko ngā wheako ōu | About you
You will be a skilled scientist with a minimum of three years tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline. You will have a collaborative approach but are able to undertake tasks independently and proactively where required while enjoying working with data to learn more about the environment.
We are looking for someone that has experience of:
Und ertaking coastal or marine environmental monitoring and analysis.
Strong report writing and communication skills.
Integrated management approaches to environmental management.
Coastal ecological and physical processes, water quality and environmental data collection.
Developing innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.
Some taxonomical knowledge of NZ’s marine species.
Experience in using and maintaining scientific equipment such as ROV’s, drop cameras and sondes would be preferred but not essential.
Project management, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
Building positive working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, iwi and the wider community.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Marlborough District Council is a dynamic, progressive organisation which prides itself on the professionalism it brings to managing a wide range of functions. Our vision is that over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for its quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.
Marlborough is unique for many reasons. The region offers an array of outdoor pursuits in a distinctive and picturesque landscape. With the Marlborough Sounds, the land and sea offer unlimited accessibility for sport and leisure.
If you’re ready to make an impact in your community with Council
Applications close 5.00 pm on Sunday, 26 July 2026.
Please Note: We will be screening applications as we receive them and, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application
For further information you are welcome to contact: Oliver Wade ( Principal Coastal Scientist ) on Oliver.Wade@marlborough.govt.nz
We’re committed to ensuring our team goes home safe every day. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks to the employer’s satisfaction. These checks may include, but are not limited to, a criminal history check, confirmation of the right to work in New Zealand, and drug and ******* testing for safety-sensitive roles.
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