Field Hydrologist/Technician

Fixed term – 1 year

Mō te tūranga | About the position

This role is hands-on, varied, and full of purpose. You'll install and maintain monitoring equipment, collect high-quality environmental data, and help ensure our flood warning systems are reliable when the community needs them most. Your work directly supports flood forecasting, water resource management, and State of the Environment reporting for Tairāwhiti.

If you enjoy problem-solving, being outdoors, and working with equipment and data, this is a chance to grow your technical skills while doing mahi that genuinely matters.

Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include:

• Complete fieldwork across the region - installing, calibrating, and maintaining hydrological and meteorological equipment
• Carry out stream-gaugings, rainfall checks, and site inspections to ensure our monitoring network delivers accurate, continuous data
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and keep flood warning installations in top condition
• Download, quality-check, and analyse environmental data to national standards (NEMS)
• Support rating curve updates, hydrological assessments, and environmental reporting
• Lead or contribute to hydrology projects, new site installations, and specialist investigations
• Work closely with landowners, stakeholders, and internal teams to support high-quality monitoring and community connection
• Provide updates during flood events and contribute to emergency response readiness

Some after-hours work may be required during weather events or monitoring activities.

Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:

• A relevant tertiary qualification (environmental science, hydrology, geography, natural resources or similar)
• Strong practical/mechanical aptitude
• Confidence working independently outdoors in varied conditions
• Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Full, clean NZ driver licence
• At least 2 years' work experience in a related field

Desirable:

• Hydrology-specific experience
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring systems, QA/QC, and NEMS
• Local environmental knowledge of Tairāwhiti
• First aid, 4WD, or specialist driving certifications
• Te reo Māori capability or an interest in developing it

Ngā Huanga | Benefits

• Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing
• Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu jabs, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package
• Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events
• Perks: Modern office, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks
• Growth: A values-led environment where your development is supported
• Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush

He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council

Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We're committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti.

Our mahi is diverse — from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region's future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we're a team that's passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you Please submit your application via our careers page: – Job Vacancies.

Advertising will continue over the Christmas/New Year period, with shortlisting to begin from 12 January 2026.

For any questions or further information, email Please note our office will be closed from 23 December and re-open Monday 5 January 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the role will be filled once the right candidate is identified.

To view the full job description, please see the job attachments section on the careers page.