Water Quality Science Officer

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. This role sits within our Environmental Monitoring team and offers a mix of field-based and office-based work, supporting the collection, management, and interpretation of water quality data across the Tairāwhiti region. You’ll be involved in a range of monitoring programmes including surface water, coastal, and groundwater, helping us understand the health of our environment and inform decisions that matter for our community. While water quality and technical continuous monitoring are key parts of this role, we’re equally interested in people with strong problem-solving skills, practical field capability, and a willingness to learn. Experience in continuous monitoring is valuable, but so is the ability to think practically, work confidently in the field, and develop new technical skills This is a great opportunity to build your experience across a range of environmental monitoring programmes while contributing to meaningful outcomes for the region Undertaking routine water quality sampling across rivers, groundwater, coastal and recreational sites. Supporting the delivery of State of Environment (SOE) monitoring programmes. Lead our continuous monitoring programme and deployment of monitoring field equipment. Maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting field equipment. Managing and quality-checking environmental data to ensure accuracy and reliability. Assisting with data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Supporting the ongoing development and improvement of monitoring programmes and processes. Working collaboratively with the wider Environmental Monitoring team and other council functions. Contributing to health and safety practices, particularly for field-based work A background in environmental science, freshwater science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience with environmental monitoring or field-based work (field monitoring equipment experience preferred but not essential) Strong problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach. Confidence working both independently in the field and as part of a team. Physically able to undertake field-based work, including handling and operating heavy monitoring equipment and working in a range of outdoor conditions Good attention to detail, particularly with data collection and management. Ability to learn new systems, equipment, and methods. Work-life balance: Hybrid options and flexible hours Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, free EAP and health checks Whanaungatanga: Connect through waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero sessions, and regular staff events that bring us together Perks: Modern offices, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks Growth: Be part of a passionate, purpose-led team where your development is supported Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We’re committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti. Our mahi is diverse from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region’s future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we’re a team that’s passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play. Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application via our careers page : www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers – Job Vacancies. For any questions, email ***********@gdc.govt.nz. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the role will be filled once the right candidate is identified. To view the full job description, please see the job attachments section on the careers page. Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad . Sign in to start saving jobs in your profile. Don’t have a Jora account? Register with: Do you want to receive recommendations for similar jobs? #J-18808-Ljbffr