Sediment Transport Scientist

• Located in Christchurch, New Zealand
• Permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week)
• $80,000 to $95,000, depending on skills and experience

NIWA is a dynamic research organisation and New Zealand’s largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater and marine science. Our core purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand’s aquatic resources and environments, to provide an understanding of climate and the atmosphere, and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

What we’re looking for:

NIWA is seeking an established Sediment Transport Scientist to contribute to and lead research and consulting projects in the area of river geomorphology and suspended sediment, with a particular focus on applying (and some development of) reach to catchment scale models of river dynamics (hydrodynamics, suspended sediment, and/or bedload).

Based within the Sediment Processes Group on the Christchurch campus, you will assist in the analysis of geospatial data, field data, development of automated routines for model pre- and post-processing, report writing, contributing to scientific papers, preparing client proposals, and leading client projects.

There will be opportunities to work with other national and Christchurch-based science groups across NIWA in areas such as hydrodynamics, hazards, catchment and freshwater remote sensing, and ecological modelling. The position will also work with other science providers, and will develop and maintain professional relationships with clients, government agencies, stakeholders in water and land management, and indigenous Māori partners.

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a keen interest in applied science.

What you will bring:

• Post-graduate qualification (PhD or equivalent workplace experience) in river geomorphology or environmental/civil/natural resources engineering.

• Strong analytical skills, with a good foundation across some of the following topics:
  • Suspended sediment transport/load analysis
  • 1D/2D hydrodynamic modelling
  • River geomorphology analysis (e.g., bank erosion, bedload transport, braided river processes)
  • Sediment transport/morphodynamic modelling
  • High frequency sediment and water quality data analysis.
• Proficiency in data analysis/automation preferably in Python, R or MatLab.
• Well-developed and proven writing skills for both scientific papers and applied consultancy reports. Highly developed and clear verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to be involved in all aspects of a study or investigation from its initiation, through planning, implementation, reporting and review.

NIWA offers competitive remuneration and benefits and the opportunity to be part of a nationwide team of world class freshwater science specialists. Are you passionate about applying innovative solutions to support decision-making? Do you thrive on the challenge of working across different problems and with different people? If so, then this is the position for you.

The position involves working a 37.5-hour week. NIWA offers flexible working options (e.g., part-time, flexible start and finish times). We are happy to discuss potential flexible options for this position at the interview stage.

NIWA promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and pride ourselves on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.

Job Details