Senior Freshwater Ecologist -- Flexible Leadership & Restoration

Freshwater Ecologist – Christchurch We are looking for an experienced Freshwater Ecologist to join our high‑performing and motivated Ecology Team in Christchurch. JOIN: A company where people, clients and the environment come first. A business that prides itself on diversity and flexibility. A highly engaged and respected team of highly experienced professionals who love working together. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: • A talented and experienced Freshwater Ecologist to provide specialist knowledge in the area of freshwater ecology in New Zealand and deliver high‑quality client outputs. MUST HAVE: 3–5 years of relevant professional experience. Experience in ecological effects assessments, ecological survey work, and management and restoration of natural areas. Project and budget management skills. Passion and commitment to excellent leadership with proven people‑management skills. An understanding of where to focus the team’s efforts and how to play to people’s strengths. Great communication and interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to build productive working relationships and work collaboratively. Proven ability to communicate on appropriate technical and commercial levels to a diverse range of current and potential clients. Ability to work independently and part of a team. Memberships with appropriate professional bodies. Full current New Zealand driver’s licence. 4WD experience. If you possess most of these skills and are keen to be involved in a wide range of projects delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for clients, we would like to hear from you. WHAT WE OFFER: An opportunity to join a New Zealand owned and operated ecological consultancy that is dynamic, flexible and expanding, and where our values drive everything we do. A career at Wildlands offers the opportunity to be part of a team of very experienced ecologists in a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development, mentoring and career progression. We pride ourselves on our culture, reputation, and value each team member’s contribution. Flexible Working Environment, Competitive Salary plus benefits. Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people. Opportunity to work with a great team. Diverse roles within the company and across geographic locations. Prospects to shift around the country. APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE WHEN A SUITABLE CANDIDATE HAS BEEN RECRUITED. APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD HAVE NZ RESIDENCY OR A VALID NZ WORK VISA. Senior Ecologist – Herpetofauna – Christchurch We are looking for a passionate Ecologist with specialist knowledge of New Zealand lizards, frogs, vegetation, flora, and fauna. JOIN: A company where people and the environment come first. A business that prides itself on diversity and flexibility. A highly engaged and respected team of highly experienced professional ecologists who love working together. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: Someone who values diversity and enjoys working with a dedicated ecologist team. MUST HAVE: A degree in ecology, specialising in herpetofauna or a related field. A minimum of 5+ years’ experience as a Herpetologist, preferably with at least 3 years of consultancy experience. Strong background in herpetology, including at least one of the following: Preparation and implementation of Lizard Management Plans for a variety of indigenous lizard species. Presenting expert evidence for council hearings and Environment Court. Experience using a range of different and novel survey methods and techniques. Sound field skills covering a range of ecosystems, habitats, and taxa. Skills in ecological restoration planning and/or biodiversity offsetting would be very useful. Good written and verbal communication skills – reporting, consenting, stakeholder engagement. Ability to communicate on appropriate technical and commercial levels to a diverse range of current and potential clients. Ability to work independently and in a team. Further qualifications and membership of an appropriate professional body. Full current New Zealand driver’s licence. 4WD experience. If you are interested in is an opportunity to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for a wide range of projects, we would like to hear from you. WHAT WE OFFER: An opportunity to join a New Zealand owned and operated consultancy. A career at Wildlands gives you the chance to be part of a team of professional ecologists in a supportive work environment. We are committed to investing in people and offer mentoring for growth. HOURS: Preferred hours are 40 hours per week Monday to Friday (flexibility will be considered). Flexible and supportive working environment. Competitive salary, plus benefits. Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people. Opportunity of diverse roles within the company, diverse geographic locations, and prospects to shift around the country. APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE WHEN A SUITABLE CANDIDATE HAS BEEN RECRUITED. APPLICANTS FOR THIS POSITION SHOULD HAVE NZ RESIDENCY OR A VALID NZ WORK VISA. Ecological Restoration Supervisor – Bay of Plenty Wildlands is seeking a motivated Ecological Restoration Supervisor to lead field teams and support the delivery of high‑quality restoration projects across the Bay of Plenty. This hands‑on role suits someone passionate about kaitiakitanga, ecological excellence, and guiding people to do their best work. ABOUT THE ROLE You will: Lead daily restoration operations including planting, pest plant/animal control, site preparation, and monitoring. Provide strong field leadership, mentoring, and support to staff. Build positive relationships with clients, landowners, iwi, and community partners. Assist with planning, scheduling, budgeting, reporting, and documentation. Assist with preparation of restoration plans, monitoring reports, and plant orders. Use GPS/GIS tools for mapping and reporting. Supervise and support teams across both the Tauranga and Rotorua depots, including regular weekly travel between the two locations. Use digital tools and apps confidently to support field operations, reporting, and communication. WHAT YOU WILL BRING Experience in ecological restoration, planting, and pest control. Proven team leadership and operational project delivery. Strong communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills. Competence with Word, Excel, GPS/mapping tools, and report writing. Strong general technology skills, including the ability to use field‑based apps and digital reporting tools. Willingness to travel regularly between Tauranga and Rotorua to support teams at both depots. Boat handling or skipper qualifications are an advantage. Good physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors. Full NZ driver licence and eligibility to work in NZ. Ability to travel overnight when required. WHY WILDLANDS Work with one of Aotearoa’s leading ecological consultancies. Contribute to meaningful restoration outcomes. Supportive, passionate team culture. Strong commitment to people, safety, and environmental stewardship. APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY, 1 JULY 2026 AT 5:00PM. APPLICANTS MUST HAVE NEW ZEALAND RESIDENCY OR A VALID NEW ZEALAND WORK VISA. Senior Ecologist – Central Otago Wildland Consultants Ltd (Wildlands) is seeking a Senior Ecologist to join our high‑performing team in Central Otago. ABOUT THE ROLE As a Senior Ecologist, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality ecological services across Central Otago. This generalist role will require expertise in herpetofauna, avifauna, and vegetation ecology. YOU WILL: Provide ecological consultancy services. Undertake ecological surveys. Prepare ecological management plans, ecological assessments, AEE reports, and other technical documentation. Offer expert ecological advice to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Present expert evidence to the Environment Court when required. WHAT YOU WILL BRING A postgraduate degree in vegetation ecology or a related discipline. 10+ years of relevant professional experience. Strong skills in ecological assessment and ecological survey work. Project management capability, including budgeting, client liaison, project setup, and delivery. Leadership ability and a collaborative, team‑focused approach. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including high‑quality report writing. Experience in consultancy (advantageous but not essential). Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 4WD driving experience and backcountry experience. WHAT WE OFFER A competitive salary and benefits package. Flexible/hybrid working to support work‑life balance. Professional development opportunities to grow your career. Employee recognition and wellbeing support. A supportive, inclusive, and vibrant workplace culture. The chance to contribute to projects that genuinely improve environmental outcomes across Aotearoa. APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON 19TH JULY 2026. APPLICANTS MUST HAVE NZ RESIDENCY OR A VALID NZ WORK VISA, AND A FULL NZ DRIVER LICENCE. #J-18808-Ljbffr