Senior Terrestrial Ecologist / Herpetologist

Senior Terrestrial Ecologist / Herpetologist

Tonkin + Taylor is New Zealand's leading engineering and environmental consultancy, renowned for our technical excellence in solving complex challenges.

We are proudly a New Zealand, employee-owned company and our collective mission is to create and sustain a better world.

At T+T, we strongly believe that it's our people that keep our clients coming back.

Our staff are known for delivering award-winning solutions, working collaboratively, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

They are our greatest asset, and we invest in their development, well-being, and their career aspirations.

This position is ideally located in Wellington, however we are open to receiving interest in other T+T locations throughout New Zealand.

We are proud to have a diverse Ecology + Water Science consulting team in New Zealand with a range of technical specialists, and with that comes great collaboration and opportunities for our staff!

Our Ecology & Water Science team is looking for a Senior Terrestrial Ecologist to join our diverse group of consultants, who are based throughout New Zealand.

We are seeking an ecologist with a minimum of 8 years professional experience in a consulting, regulatory and / or research environment, who enjoys professional freedom and autonomy.

At Tonkin + Taylor you'll be working on challenging and rewarding projects right from the start with the opportunity to contribute to great ecological outcomes, work directly with clients and to manage your own projects and work programme.

For this role we are particularly interested in ecologists with knowledge and experience working with herpetofauna,

but you will have the opportunity to shape this role for yourself and to suit your strengths.

As a starting point the sort of work you can expect to be involved in includes :

A range of scientific and ecological technical services in a variety of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, including habitat and vegetation mapping and assessments, fauna surveys (birds, bats, lizards, invertebrates) and species relocation.

Providing ecological opportunity and constraints advice to clients to help shape their projects and developments.

Ecological Impact Assessments on medium and large multi-disciplinary projects across water, land, transport, industry, waste, natural hazards and energy sectors.

Development and implementation of Ecological Management Plans for a range of terrestrial and wetland habitats and species.

Collaborating on projects with our internal teams across environmental geoscience, planning, geotechnical, civil, coastal and environmental engineering teams.

Ecology related regulatory policy advice and integrated scientific, engineering and ecological services.

Engaging with mana whenua to understand the cultural values of terrestrial ecosystems, taonga species and ways to incorporate matauranga Maori into managing effects and restoring and enhancing the environment.

Sustainable development (conservation, ecosystem services, biodiversity, urban development, ecosystem restoration and enhancement) initiatives and operations at regional, national and international levels, e.g. climate change adaptation programmes for nations in the South Pacific.

Science innovation for improved resource management, e.g. inputs into guidelines and policy surrounding biodiversity offsets and compensation and the integration of ecological design into engineering projects.

Presenting expert evidence at council hearings, Environment Court and Boards of Enquiry.

Preparation of technical guidance to assist our staff and clients, and the advancement of our ecological practice.

Mentoring and supporting the professional development of other ecologists in our team.

Opportunity to become a Technical Director within T+T, making you stand out as a technical leader in your field.

Na tou rourou | What you'll bring

MSc or PhD degree in Ecology or equivalent experience

Minimum 8 years professional work experience in a consulting, regulatory and / or research environment, with experience in consulting an advantage

Skills in management of terrestrial flora and fauna

Certified fauna handler (e.g. bats and / or lizards) an advantage

Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams

Proven experience with client engagement and relationship management

Demonstrated project management skills

Strong business acumen

Excellent written and spoken English language skills

Strong analytical and mathematical abilities

Solution focused with problem solving skills, initiative and a critical thinker

Attention to detail and high presentation and professional standards

A desire to work in large and supportive nationally focused Ecology team with a diversity of skills-sets

Preference for those with Council hearing, Environment Court or Board of Enquiry experience

A passion for ecology that drives you to be at the forefront of ecological practice in New Zealand

Flexible working arrangements including part time working and ability to purchase extra leave

Active social club

State of the art, modern and contemporary offices

Paid parental and partner leave

Long service leave entitlements and sabbatical opportunities

Wellbeing benefits e.g. vaccinations, fruit baskets, and an award winning wellbeing programme

Professional memberships

Study assistance

Additional Annual, Parental and Marital Leave

Professional and technical development opportunities

'Everyone Matters' is one of our three core values at T+T, and we are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce who foster inclusion, participation, and equal opportunity.

We are proud to be a member of Diversity Works and Partners of TupuToa and Puhoro STEMM Academy.

We particularly encourage speakers of Te Reo Maori or Pasifika languages to apply.

T+T have a partnership with Rainbow Tick and are actively working towards accreditation - we absolutely welcome applicants from rainbow communities.

To learn more about this opportunity, click 'Apply Now'!

Reference #

33008

Posted on

18 Aug 2025

Closes on

Location(s)

Wellington

Expertise

Ecology

Job level(s)

Senior (10-15)

Work type(s)

Permanent, Full Time (37.5+ hours per week)

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