Ecologist

• Provide expert ecological advice across planning and restoration work
• Support biodiversity outcomes through science, policy, and fieldwork
• Work across council, iwi, and community to protect natural environments
• Fixed Term Full-Time opportunity (till 22/02/2027)

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s Ecological Advice team is looking for a passionate Ecologist to help protect and restore the indigenous biodiversity that makes Tāmaki Makaurau so unique.

This is a meaningful, varied role where your ecological expertise directly shapes how Auckland grows; from informing development decisions, to supporting restoration projects, to ensuring our natural environment is protected for future generations.

You’ll be joining a team that values science, collaboration, and real-world impact. No two days look the same. One day you might be reviewing a resource consent application, the next supporting a restoration programme in the field, and the next contributing to policy that shapes the future of biodiversity in Auckland.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Provide ecological input into resource consent applications, compliance matters, and planning processes
• Support policy development and environmental decision-making with robust ecological advice
• Undertake field-based ecological surveys, monitoring, and biodiversity assessments
• Contribute to restoration programmes and adaptive management approaches
• Work alongside iwi, community groups, and internal council teams to deliver best-practice ecological outcomes
• Write high-quality ecological reports and effects assessments

This role suits someone who enjoys both technical ecological work and real-world application, and who can confidently translate science into practical advice that influences decisions.

Please note: This is a Fixed Term Full-Time opportunity (till 22/02/2027)

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’ll bring strong ecological experience and the ability to apply science in real-world, often complex environments. Just as importantly, you’ll be someone who thrives in collaborative, purpose-driven work where advice influences meaningful environmental outcomes.

We’re looking for experience in:

• Ecology, biodiversity conservation, or environmental science roles (ideally 5+ years) 
• Writing ecological reports, assessments, and effects documentation 
• Understanding of RMA processes, particularly effects assessments and consenting 
• Natural science field survey, monitoring, and research methods 
• Stakeholder engagement, ideally including iwi, community groups, or regulatory environments 

You’ll also bring:

• Strong ecological knowledge of New Zealand ecosystems and species 
• Confidence using GIS, ecological analysis tools, and Microsoft Office 
• The ability to design, interpret, and apply monitoring and sampling methods 
• Excellent communication skills — able to turn technical science into clear, practical advice 
• A full, clean NZ driver’s licence (required for fieldwork)

If you are motivated by protecting and restoring biodiversity in an urban environment, stay calm under pressure, take initiative, and enjoy working across science, policy, iwi, and community spaces, we would love to hear from you!

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. You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCrGnm_Fy1RMrhSkvVZaf3GPtZDk3BLd/view?usp=sharing

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

You can find the position description here
Applications close: Wednesday 29th April, at 11.59pm

Please note: 

• Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre-employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.
• This role is deemed safety sensitive and, in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug & alcohol testing.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

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.