Environmental Specialist

• Two permanent, full-time positions offering 40 hours per week in a supportive and collaborative team
• Undertake field monitoring to support the sustainable management of water quality and ecology in our lakes, rivers and streams, groundwater and coastal areas
• Get out and about across all of Auckland, with a good mix between hands-on environmental monitoring and office based tasks

Do you have several years of experience in water quality and/or freshwater ecology monitoring and enjoy working outdoors? Join us in a hands-on field role where you’ll spend most of your week out across Auckland’s freshwater environments.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit (EEMU) has an opportunity for an Environmental Specialist to join the Water Quality team.

This is a hands-on, field-based role focused on delivering long-term freshwater and water quality monitoring programmes across Tāmaki Makaurau.

You will spend most of your week in the field collecting freshwater samples and environmental data from Auckland’s rivers, streams, lakes, groundwater and coastal environments. You will also use, maintain and troubleshoot scientific monitoring equipment and ensure samples and data are collected to a high standard.

You could expect to work on:

• Collecting freshwater samples and environmental data from rivers, streams, lakes, groundwater and coastal areas across Auckland 
• Undertake freshwater ecology (macroinvertebrates, stream ecological valuations and fish) monitoring.
• Following national standards and programme-specific protocols for freshwater monitoring and sampling 
• Completing quality assurance, data management and accurate field records 
• Installing, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific monitoring equipment and monitoring sites

He kōrero mōu: About you

This role requires practical experience in environmental monitoring, particularly freshwater quality and ecology monitoring. You will be comfortable working outdoors and spending most of your week undertaking fieldwork and sample collection.

We will be looking for specific experience with the key role requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in freshwater water quality and ecology monitoring 
• Practical experience collecting environmental samples and data in the field 
• Understanding of environmental sampling methods, monitoring protocols and quality assurance requirements 
• Experience managing environmental data and maintaining accurate records, along with a current New Zealand full driver licence 
• Experience using, maintaining and troubleshooting scientific monitoring equipment

Experience with continuous water quality monitoring sensors and continuous data processing is desirable.

We still encourage you to apply if you have some but not all these requirements.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.
 
We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. 

View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE.

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: 11th September 2026, 11:59pm
Find a copy of the position description here: Click Here

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

#workingforauckland #aucklandcouncil #environment

The role is deemed safety-sensitive and will require a pre-employment drug and alcohol test prior to offer. A current full clean driver's license is essential and if successful you will be warranted by Auckland Council allowing you to enter premises and inspect breaches or offences.

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By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application, and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at privacy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.