Technical Lead - Geodesy

Korero mo te turanga - About the role

You'll be a thought leader within the team delivering New Zealand's technology platform for Geodesy and contribute to the future developments of National, Regional and Global Reference Frame.

You will use your breadth of Geodetic knowledge and development experience to modernise and maintain critical software for New Zealand's geodetic system.

In this role, you will :

• Keep abreast of international technological and industry developments.
• Provide technical expertise in Geodesy topics i.e. GNSS, least squares, PNT, and Geodetic software development.
• Provide technical and thought leadership to ensure the ongoing provision and development of services enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the positioning and geodetic systems.
• Help shape the development of New Zealand's future positioning systems.
• Developing and driving long term strategic initiatives.
• Balance day to day operations with strategic innovation.
• Manage working relationships across teams within Toitu Te Whenua and with national and international geodesy partners.

He pukenga tou - Skills & Experience

• PhD or Masters in Geodesy.
• At least 10 years of Thought Leadership experience in Geodesy and / or geodetic software development.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining and operating public-facing geodetic software (e.g. GNSS processing, least squares adjustment, coordinate transformations).
• Demonstrated track record delivering complex technical work including leading the development of complex geodetic software.
• Experience working with national and / or international technical committees.
• Relevant field and in-depth industry experience at an advanced technical level relevant to the role including :
• Extensive experience in GNSS processing and / or software development
• Extensive / in depth experience in the field of geodesy -Experience working with Agile methodologies.
• Experience using one or more of the following programming languages : C, Perl, Python, Javascript.
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

Highly desirable :

• Possess an understanding of New Zealand's geodetic system and positioning infrastructure.
• Knowledge of government procurement and contract management practices, or similar.
• Experience developing and operating software using Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The expected appointing range for this role is $140,000 up to $180,000, depending on skills and experience.

Nga mea e tukuna ana e tatau – 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 Takinatanga - Our Story

Toitu 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, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan

Toitu 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 Toitu 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 Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 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, or be able to obtain, 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, Level 4) does not match the advertised title.

At Toitu 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 Toitu Te Whenua, please email

• and our People Services Team will be in touch with you.