Environmental Monitoring Officer

Role overview

Greater Wellington is looking for an enthusiastic and driven Environmental Monitoring Officer to join the Monitoring - Water team in the Knowledge and Insights group. This is a permanent, full-time position based in the central Cuba Street office in Wellington.

What you'll do

In this position, you will support the Groundwater Quality, River Water Quality, and Ecology and Lake Water Quality and Ecology State of the Environment programmes. Most of the fieldwork will take place across Wellington City, the Kāpiti Coast, and the Hutt Valley, with opportunities to visit more remote and high-value sites throughout the region.

Your core work will involve collecting water quality samples from groundwater bores, rivers, and lakes, along with deploying and maintaining continuous monitoring instruments. You will also handle related data management, analysis, and report preparation. The results of your work will help shape planning, policy decisions, and compliance activity across the region.

There may also be scope to support other monitoring and investigation work, such as benthic macroinvertebrate and fish biodiversity surveys, coastal monitoring, and citizen science initiatives.

Skills and experience

To perform well in this role, you will need a BSc in freshwater or marine science, along with practical experience in water quality and ecological sampling in field environments. You should be physically capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions and comfortable with regular travel and driving requirements.

You will also need strong verbal and written communication skills, sound computer ability, and the confidence to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience with hand tools and electronics will be helpful. A solid understanding of quality assurance and quality control processes for collecting, processing, and managing scientific data is also important.

This role requires the ability to drive a manual 4WD vehicle, and a driving assessment will be part of the process. You should also be confident around water, be a strong swimmer, and have intermediate to advanced computer skills, including experience with GIS, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

What we offer

Greater Wellington offers flexible working, learning and development opportunities, internal secondments, and pathways for career progression. The organisation also supports wellbeing through medical and trauma insurance, employee assistance services including Rongoā Māori partner providers, and generous leave benefits such as annual leave, sick leave, Tangihanga leave, and additional support.

You will join a workplace that values belonging, personal and cultural identity, social connection, and inclusion. Staff networks, social clubs, a friendly culture, and strong working environments across the region are also part of the experience.

Values and wider context

This role sits within a wider commitment to restoring nature, connecting people and places, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting the prosperity of the region and its communities. Greater Wellington is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports mana whenua as Kaitiaki. Its work across environmental management, public transport, flood protection, regional parks, and water supply is closely connected and aimed at building a stronger future for the rohe.

Application and recruitment notes

Greater Wellington is a member of Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion and is committed to diversity, accessibility, fairness, and an inclusive, flexible, and supportive recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to share any accessibility needs or adjustments required.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV with their application. For further information, the contact person is Dr Amanda Valois, Kaiwhakataki Aroturuki Wai | Team Leader Monitoring - Water, reachable at amanda.valois@gw.govt.nz or 021 143 8052.

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday, 10 July 2026. Shortlisting will happen as applications are received, and interviews may be held as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Agency applications will not be accepted.

Compensation

The total remuneration for this position, including benefits, is between $66,022 and $99,034, with a midpoint of $82,528. The starting salary will be determined by the successful candidate’s skills and experience.

Location

This role is based in Wellington, with fieldwork across the Wellington region.