Principal Ecologist

**_E ngā iwi, e ngā karangatanga huri noa i te motu, tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. He īnoi tēnei ki a koe. Tono mai ki tētahi tūnga ki te Kaunihera o Ōtautahi_**

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing biodiversity? We're looking for a Principal Ecologist with specialist expertise in **herpetology** to help shape the ecological future of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

**About the team | Ko te rōpū nei**

The Technical Services & Design (TSD) teams provide an in-house consultancy service comprised of technical and design professionals responsible for specialist advice and services across the Council aiding the delivery of the City's capital programme.

**About the role | Ko te mahi nei**

As the Principal Ecologist -Herpetologist you will provide expert ecological advice for managing biodiversity and natural areas across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

You'll provide expert advice on ecology and reptiles, manage lizard relocations, and ensure projects follow environmental rules. Work with council teams and partners to support conservation and biodiversity. If you care about nature and want to make a difference, this role is for you. In this role, you'll:

- Lead ecological assessments and provide expert advice on reptile and amphibian conservation.
- Collaborate across teams to integrate biodiversity into urban planning and development.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives that support ecological resilience and sustainability.

**About you | Ko Koe Tēnei**

We're looking for a Principal Ecologist with strong knowledge of the Wildlife Act 1953 and other relevant environmental legislation. You'll bring expertise in the ecology of native plants and reptiles in the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula area, and understand how they interact with their environment, including introduced species.

This role involves leading conservation planning, providing expert ecological advice, and working with a range of partners to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity.

You will bring with you:

- Bachelor's degree majoring in relevant ecological field
- Hold a DOC approved herpetological handing and salvage
- 10+ years' experience in herpetological environmental management and ecological research.
- Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of managing teams and projects to deliver on time.
- Ability to explain complex biological concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences.
- In-depth knowledge of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula's indigenous herpetofauna, flora, and ecosystems.
- Sound working knowledge of the Wildlife Act 1953 and other relevant Acts that relate to the protection and management of indigenous flora and fauna.

**What's in it for you? He aha ngā hua ki a koe?**

Want to be involved in shaping your City? Here at the Council we know our strength comes from our people, working together as one team to create results. When you join us, you're getting involved first hand, and contributing to crafting the Christchurch community. You will also benefit from:

- Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements - WFH, adjustable start and finish times, option to purchase extra leave.
- Collaboration - exposure to wider areas of the organisation
- Benefits - a variety of benefits for Council staff from health schemes to retail discounts.

**Additional Information | Ko ētahi atu kōrero**:

- _ Hours of work - Permanent Full-time_
- _ Location_ - This position is primarily based at Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street_
- _ Closing Date - Sunday 12th October 2025_

**_ Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date._