Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist - Christchurch

Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist - Christchurch Mō tō mātou āhuatanga | Who we are 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. 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! Kei te hiahia mātou ki ōu | We want your skills Our Ecology + Water Science team is looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist to join our ecology team, providing technical leadership and specialist ecological services for large-scale infrastructure and land development projects acoss New Zealand. This position is located in Christchurch. The successful candidate will have experience working with New Zealand native lizards and a strong understanding of ecological impact assessment, lizard management, salvage/relocation methodologies, and regulatory requirements associated with protected species management. 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. 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. Key responsibilities and work you can expect to be involved in includes:

• Delivering a range of scientific and ecological technical services across terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, including habitat and vegetation mapping and assessments, fauna surveys (with a focus on herpetofauna), and species salvage, relocation and monitoring programmes.
• Leading and undertaking native lizard surveys, handling, salvage, relocation and post-relocation monitoring activities in accordance with best practice guidelines and permit requirements.
• Preparing, reviewing and implementing Lizard Management Plans and broader Ecological Management Plans for a range of terrestrial and wetland habitats and species.
• Leading and supervising field teams undertaking ecological mitigation and monitoring activities.
• Ensuring all fieldwork is completed in accordance with relevant permits, health and safety requirements, and industry best practice.
• Contributing to Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIAs), technical reports, ecological management plans and compliance reporting.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary internal teams across environmental geoscience, planning, geotechnical, civil, coastal and environmental engineering disciplines.
• Providing ecology-related regulatory and policy advice, including integrated scientific, engineering and ecological solutions for complex projects.
• Mentoring and supporting the professional development of junior and intermediate ecologists within the team.
• Liaising with project managers, contractors, clients, iwi, and regulatory authorities, including the Department of Conservation.
• Engaging with mana whenua to understand the cultural values associated with terrestrial ecosystems and taonga species, and incorporating mātauranga Māori into ecological management, restoration and enhancement initiatives.

Na tōu 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, particularly herpetofauna
• Demonstrated experience handling New Zealand native lizards and experience operating under Wildlife Act Authority (WAA) conditions
• Proven experience preparing and implementing Lizard Management Plans, lizard salvage, relocation, and monitoring programmes
• Experience working on large-scale land development and/or infrastructure projects
• Leadership skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Proven experience with client engagement and relationship management
• Demonstrated project management and business acumen skills
• Excellent written communication and technical reporting skills
• Experience with GIS and ecological data management systems
• Solution focused with problem solving skills, initiative and a critical thinker
• Attention to detail and high presentation and professional standards
• Council hearing, Environment Court or Board of Enquiry experience desirable
• Current drivers licence
• A desire to work in a large and supportive nationally focused Ecology team with a diversity of skills-sets
• A passion for ecology that drives you to be at the forefront of ecological practice in New Zealand

Ngā Hua | Our benefits

• $750 annual Wellbeing Allowance
• Shareholding opportunities
• 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
• Corporate employee discounts from up to 400 retailers
• 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 an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer, a member of Diversity Works, and Partners of TupuToa and Pūhoro STEMM Academy. We particularly encourage speakers of Te Reo Māori 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. Job Details Reference # 36208 Posted on 14 May 2026 Closes on 30 Jun 2026 12:00 Location(s) Christchurch Expertise Ecology Job level(s) Intermediate / Professional (5-10), Senior (10-15) Work type(s) Permanent, Full Time, Part Time