Advisor - Foundational Science - Water | Flexible

Job Description

This role is a fixed term position in response to increased demand within our high priority work programmes. We are surging in people and resources in response to these priorities.

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We are looking for an experienced Advisor to join the 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 the role is to support the development of Environmental Limits as part of the Government's Resource Management Reform programme. This role has a focus on freshwater and/or coastal and estuarine science.

Key areas of responsibility of this role include:

• supporting the team to provide accurate and timely science advice related to the development of freshwater and/or coastal and estuarine Environmental Limits.
• contributing to a programme of work related to freshwater and/or coastal and estuarine science, including contract management.
• working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate science advice is available for all stages of the RM Reform programme, including implementation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• a technical environmental science background, including mātauranga Māori, with expertise in freshwater and/or coastal and estuarine science.
• a sound understanding of policy processes and experience working at the science policy interface, including ability to consider regulatory impact of advice provided.
• experience procuring and managing science contracts.
• strong plain English writing or visual communication skills, with an ability to shape science or data content for a particular audience.
• an ability to manage competing deadlines and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
• a collaborative approach, but able to work independently
• a commitment to further developing your cultural capability in te ao Māori.

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range  

Salary range for this role is $79,598 to $96,372 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.  

Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki MfE | Benefits of working at MfE  

• a flexible working approach to embrace a healthy work-life blend 
• agile ways of working, allowing you variety and challenges across the organisation as we work as ‘One MfE' 
• active employee networks including Māori Rōpū, Asian Network, Neurodivergent and Disability Networks, Women's Network, Tagata Moana (Pacific Peoples' Network), and Rainbow Network 
• opportunities for development and education.           

Check out other benefits of joining us and hear what our people say about Working at MfE | Ministry for the Environment.  

Tono ināianei | 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 this position please contact Sally Morison at sally.morison@mfe.govt.nz.  The position description is available via our careers centre www.mfe.govt.nz/jobs.  

The location for this role is flexible which means you can work anywhere in New Zealand and there is an option to work from home.  As a flexible friendly employer, we are happy to discuss solutions that may work for you and the business.  We value and care about enabling our people to work in a way that means they can work at their best.   

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and actively strive to be a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture.  We actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  We are proud to be a Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick certified organisation and are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.   

We want to ensure any accessibility needs you may have are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all.  Therefore, please let us know if there are any adjustments or support we can offer to make the recruitment process more accessible to you.  Please contact us at vacancy@mfe.govt.nz if you would like to discuss any accessibility needs you may have.  

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

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Sunday 20th July 2025 @ 5pm