Marine Ecology Technician - Earth Sciences

At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we're bringing together exceptional science, technology and people to address the environmental, climate and natural hazard challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation, we're committed to delivering science that creates meaningful impact for communities, industry and the environment, while partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

About The Position

This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity to contribute to research and consultancy projects that support the sustainable management of Aotearoa New Zealand's marine ecosystems.

Working as part of the Fisheries and Marine Ecology team, you will provide technical support across a range of fisheries, ecology and biosecurity projects. You'll gain hands-on experience collecting and processing biological samples, undertaking laboratory work, managing and analysing data, and engaging with industry stakeholders. The role offers a unique mix of field, laboratory and office-based work, including time spent on the water as part of a field team and sampling within commercial fishing premises, while contributing to projects that deliver meaningful outcomes for New Zealand's marine environment.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Fulfilling roles in fisheries monitoring, particularly sampling of landings into commercial pack houses.
• Processing samples collected during ecological field surveys.
• Managing data (i.e. processing, compiling, validating, databasing and archiving data post collection).
• Assisting with Recreational Fisheries survey coordination and data management
• Assisting with biosecurity surveys and other marine ecology.

What You’ll Bring

• You will have a degree in the marine sciences and good knowledge of the New Zealand marine environment.
• You’ll have excellent practical skills and be able to contribute effectively in the field - boating experience would be an advantage.
• You’ll also have experience working on laboratory tasks, as well as proficiency across a range of computing, video and data handling skills.
• You’ll be a top team player and have great communication skills, a flexible approach to a dynamic work environment and a can-do attitude to solving problems.

We know that talented people—especially those from under represented or neurodiverse communities—sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement in a job description. If this role aligns with your strengths, lived experience, or interests, we’d love to hear from you and we’re committed to supporting your growth.

What We Offer

• Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
• A one year fixed term, full time (37.5 hours per week) position.
• This role is based at our Auckland campus.

View the full Position Description for this position at: https://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/niwa/about-us. If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact Sign in to view email.

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close on Sunday, 2 August 2026