Senior Coastal Scientist

• Help build resilience in our coastal environments
• Flexible and supportive work environment
• Develop strong professional networks

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland’s shorelines are at the frontline of the effects from climate change and sea level rise, and we need to develop and enhance our knowledge and evidence base on what these effects will be. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist specialising in physical coastal processes to join our Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit.

Working with a wide range of collaborators across Auckland Council, you will lead our physical coastal monitoring and research programme.  You will focus on the short and long-term effects of climate change and sea level rise and the impact on coastal processes (for example coastal erosion and inundation). 

In this role you will:

• develop and enhance our physical coastal monitoring programme to inform short-term management decisions (such as coastal asset and beach management) and longer-term triggers for climate change adaptation
• undertake data management, analysis and reporting for the programme 
• oversee the wave buoy, tidal gauge and coastal monitoring camera network
• prepare a research plan for current and future evidence needs 
• collaborate with national research programmes to develop and improve models that predict physical coastal change and impact

This is a brilliant opportunity for you to build the knowledge and evidence base to help council understand, manage, mitigate and adapt to change in the coastal margin and help build resilience. 
 

He kōrero mōu: About you

With a relevant applied environmental science/engineering background or a proven track record as a scientist specialising in physical coastal processes, you have a strong understanding of climate change and its anticipated impacts on the dynamics of Auckland’s shorelines.

We are looking for a natural collaborator and a brilliant communicator with the ability to interpret and communicate complex environmental data to a wide range of audiences. 

You also have:

• a strong technical background in field research and an understanding of a broad range of monitoring equipment (wave buoys, coastal cameras, tidal gauges among others) 
• experience with imaging processing (coastal cameras, satellite imagery) and working with wave data (for example spectral analysis, time series, extreme events)
• strong analytical skills working with large, complex and long-term data sets and established programming skills (preferably Python experience) 
• the ability to provide subject matter expertise and to provide scientific oversight in delivering a fit for purpose monitoring and research programme
• project management skills

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

Auckland Council is the largest territorial authority in Australasia providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.6 million people.  You will be part of our engaged and supportive environment teams, a collective of highly skilled professionals responsible for long-term environmental monitoring, research and providing technical advice across council. 

In addition to our employee benefits, we work flexibly and provide opportunities for professional development. You will also enjoy further developing and expanding your networks as we often collaborate with other management agencies and research institutes.

Apply now - together we can create an Auckland we can all be proud of. 

See the position description for more information. Contact Shar Mahon on +64-27-769-1880 or shar.mahon@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for a confidential chat.

Applications close on Monday 30 September 2024

#WorkingForAuckland #CoastalScience #ScientistJobs #ClimateChange #FlexibleWorking #ClimateAdaptation #CoastalResilience

This role is deemed safety sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.  A full driver's license is a requirement.
 

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.