Freshwater Science Lead

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  • Senior scientist role
  •  A key role in freshwater science   
  •  A real opportunity to make your mark


With it being a dynamic time in the local government environment, now is an excellent time to showcase your science expertise - and we're seeking a Freshwater Science Lead to join a high performing and highly regarded science team.

Based in Palmerston North, the Horizons Regional Council region extends over 22,200km² - from Ruapehu in the north, Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west, and Tararua, in the east. It's a vast and varied landscape, with significant water impact, and home to 240,000 people. It's a family friendly organisation, and people can truly enjoy a balanced work/home lifestyle, with the great outdoors on your doorstep.

As Freshwater Science Lead, the core focus of your role is to lead the science input into the Horizons Regional Council’s implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. As a part of this you'll lead the science input to the Oranga Wai - Our Freshwater Future programme.

Oranga Wai – Our Freshwater Future is the way Horizons has chosen to represent the Essential Freshwater package and to allow for cohesion across the freshwater work undertaken, working in partnership with the community to enhance and protect the region's waterways.

Given the importance of this work, this is a newly created role to ensure a coordinated and connected science delivery plan for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. You'll be working closely with the Freshwater Policy Lead and the wider science team ensuring there is appropriate science input into a coordinated and inclusive view.

To be successful in this role, you're likely to be at/moving to, the senior scientist level, and you'll have:

  • Ideally, a postgraduate qualification in a natural science discipline
  • A strong understanding of natural resource management and experience in Freshwater science
  • Proven ability to link science information and policy development and implementation (technology transfer)
  • Good strategic thinking, with the ability to work on multiple pieces of work effectively
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate complexity easily to all
  • Project management skills
  • Competence with analytical and statistical systems
  • Knowledge of local government and its operating environment


This is an excellent opportunity to work in a high performing and reputable team.

Given it is a new position you will need to be a self-starter, be able to influence and build trust, and work collaboratively.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to apply your scientific expertise in an organisation that values your contribution - and to leave big city living behind and live a family friendly life in one of our great regions. In return, you can look forward to a rewarding career with opportunities to further develop, within a friendly, social, flexible, and supportive working environment.

Applications close: 5 pm, 11 July 2021

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