Senior Scientist – Contaminated Land

About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury, the regional council, is responsible for managing natural resources such as air, soil, water, and land in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the environment’s health and ensure a sustainable future. The region’s dynamic environmental and political landscape requires agility to respond to regulatory and environmental changes while delivering core services focused on Environmental Regulation and Protection, Community Preparedness and Hazard Response, and Public Transport.

Role Overview

The Science Group provides environmental monitoring, data, research, and advice to support decision-making across Environment Canterbury. Within this group, the Senior Scientist for Contaminated Land reports to the Team Leader of Contaminated Land and Waste Science, focusing on delivering expert advice and research on managing contaminated land.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to committees and community working groups related to contaminated land.
• Lead and participate in research investigating contaminated land impacts on Canterbury communities.
• Apply relevant contaminated land legislation, standards, and technical guidance.
• Ensure quality control of technical reports and advice regarding contaminated land management.
• Coach and guide developing team members.
• Engage in national initiatives around contaminated land management.
• Occasionally work outside normal hours to support emergency and flood responses and represent the council at meetings and events with partners and stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background combined with excellent communication skills to convey complex scientific information clearly to diverse audiences, including tangata whenua, stakeholders, community groups, and decision-makers.

Experience and Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field or equivalent academic and professional standing recognized nationally.
• At least five years of professional experience specifically in contaminated land science.
• Certified Environmental Practitioner status (general practitioner) is highly desirable.
• Proven expertise in data analysis, interpretation, and clear reporting of complex technical information.
• Collaborative and solution-driven mindset with a passion for science and commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Strong ability to foster effective working relationships with internal colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Comprehensive understanding of resource management laws applicable to contaminated land and waste.
• Commitment to te ao Māori, including an awareness of evolving obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and practical experience engaging with iwi and Māori partners.
• A current full driving licence.
• Experience with geospatial information systems (GIS) and data visualization is an advantage.

Work Environment and Culture

Environment Canterbury operates based on core values including stewardship (Kaitiakitanga), integrity (Pononga), people focus (Manaakitanga), collaboration (Whanaungatanga), and a proactive attitude (Māiatanga). The council embraces workforce diversity to better serve the community and environment, encourages the incorporation of te ao Māori in daily work, and supports personal growth in this area.

Additional Details

The permanent full-time role is located mainly at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch, with occasional after-hours duties for emergencies and community representation. The indicative annual salary range is $105,936 to $130,863, to be finalized based on experience and skills. The recruitment process includes interviews, reference checks, and criminal record verification, with further background checks when relevant. Early applications are encouraged as interviews may commence before the closing date. Environment Canterbury supports a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications even if candidates do not meet every listed qualification.

Contact

For confidential enquiries, contact Brodie Young at 027 226 5134.