Geospatial Specialist

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

This role can be based in either Wellington or Christchurch.

Join our team in protecting New Zealand's natural environment through geospatial technology. This entry-level position offers an exciting opportunity to develop your GIS skills while contributing to critical conservation programmes.

You will work with geospatial data to primarily support Kete Aronui, the comprehensive Kauri health geospatial system, with exposure to various national conservation programmes, including the Kauri Dieback project (protecting native trees), and the Wilding Pine and Wallaby Eradication programmes. Your work will involve data collection, creating dashboards, basic analysis, reporting, and data visualisation. Full training and mentorship will be provided.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with analysing and interpreting geospatial data
• Create maps and visualisations to support project objectives
• Learn and apply GIS tools to conservation challenges
• Provide technical support to team members as your skills develop
• Contribute to data collection and reporting activities

He pūkenga tou - Skills & Experience:

• Foundational knowledge of ArcGIS and/or desktop GIS (ArcGIS Pro or QGIS)
• Basic understanding of spatial analysis concepts
• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team
• Enthusiasm for learning and developing GIS expertise

Desirable:

• Exposure to Python programming
• Familiarity with FME (Feature Manipulation Engine)
• Interest in conservation or biosecurity work
• Any experience with data visualisation or mapping projects
• Demonstrated engagement and collaboration skills

This is a fixed term role until the end of June 2027.  The equivalent annual full-time salary range for this role is $76,000 to $87,000 depending on skills and experience:

Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau - What we offer our employees

• Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
• Eye & ear care reimbursements
• Annual Flu Vaccinations
• Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
• Diverse groups and networks
• If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
• A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave

Te Tākinatanga - Our Story

Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations, now and for future generations.

Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan

Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance.  We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential.  As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.

Tono mai - How to Apply

If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team.

To apply, please click "Apply Online." You'll be taken through to our Toitū Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter.

Please note, while applications close on 20 September, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

You may notice that the Position Description title for this role (Geospatial Specialist / Mātanga Tātai Wāhi - Tahi) doesn't match the advertised title.  At Toitū Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.

If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitū Te Whenua, please email [email protected]  and our People Services Team will be in touch with you.