Marine Scientist

• A role with real impact across Tasman's coastal and marine environments.
• Opportunities to work alongside iwi, community groups, research partners and other agencies.
• Professional development support and the chance to grow your influence in a council science leadership role.
• A supportive team culture that values integrity, collaboration and practical outcomes.
• Full time permanent role based in Richmond, Tasman District

Tasman District Council is looking for an experienced Marine Scientist to help protect and enhance our extraordinary coastal and marine environment. This is a new role and brings an opportunity for to establish and lead the council's marine science programme.

As our Marine Scientist, you'll be the Council's in‑house expert, shaping how Tasman understands, protects, and sustainably uses its marine environment.

You'll bring strong scientific understanding and a collaborative approach to guide decision‑making across operational delivery, policy, consenting, compliance, climate adaptation, and restoration.

You'll ensure Council meets its statutory obligations, guide the development of Tasman's marine monitoring programmes, support cross council initiatives and community restoration efforts.

About the role:

• Provide scientific expertise and advice across monitoring, consenting, compliance, policy development and resource management.
• Lead marine biodiversity and state-of-the-environment monitoring, including marine spatial mapping and marine datasets/GIS layers.
• Help ensure Council meets its statutory obligations under the RMA, NZCPS, Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act and upcoming planning legislation.
• Work collaboratively across council, with iwi, agencies, industry and community groups to support coordinated monitoring and restoration (e.g., seagrass, shellfish, estuaries).
• Contribute to regional partnerships and shared marine science service across the top of the south.

What you'll do:

• Provide timely, defensible marine science advice for Council projects, consent processing, compliance monitoring and hearings.
• Design and deliver monitoring programmes, manage contractors and budgets, and turn data into clear insights and reporting.
• Maintain and interpret marine datasets, mapping and GIS layers to inform planning, environmental limits and decision-making.
• Support response and advice during marine pollution events (including oil spill incidents).
• Build trusted relationships and communicate complex science clearly to staff, elected members and the wider community.

What you'll bring:

• Postgraduate qualification in marine science, ecology or a related field.
• At least 5 years' experience in marine ecosystem or resource management, including field work and monitoring methods.
• Strong understanding of NZ resource management frameworks (including the Resource Management Act) and how science supports policy, consenting and compliance.
• Confidence working with environmental data - ideally including database management and GIS/spatial analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to present clear, concise advice to varied audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate in complex stakeholder environments, including working in partnership with iwi.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to culturally responsive practice; knowledge of tikanga and te reo Māori is an advantage.
• Project and contractor management experience (or willingness to grow this capability).
• Experience working from vessels/as crew is desirable.

Why Tasman District Council?

You'll join a respected, multi-disciplinary Environmental Services Group that provides science expertise and environmental information across the region. We're committed to living our values- Auahatanga (Innovation), Manaakitanga (Caring/Sharing), Kawenga (Responsibility) and Whanaungatanga (Relationships) and to supporting a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

For more information contact the People and Wellbeing team on 03 543 8988.

To download the PD, and to apply for this role go to: https://careers.tasman.govt.nz/Vacancies and enter Ref6889634

Applications close 24 May 2026