• Want to be part of the tīma that is paving the way for a predator-free Aotearoa New Zealand? 

  • Excited by the opportunity to help develop new knowledge, tools, and techniques to achieve ambitious goals? 

  • Armed with great interpersonal skills and the ability to work across technical and field-based teams? 

Predator Free New Zealand is an ambitious, yet achievable, target. Success will depend on new knowledge, tools, and techniques being developed along the way – and this is where ZIP comes in.  

The purpose of the Technical Innovator is to help navigate these challenges, by leading the development and implementation of the new knowledge, tools, and techniques. Working with the Technical Development team, you will tap into the skills and experience of our field-based team to prototype and adaptively manage new ways of tackling some of our biggest challenges. This role is your chance to influence how New Zealand becomes predator-free!  

Location 

This role could be based in Wellington or Lincoln (Christchurch) as part of our Science & Technical Team. You will have the opportunity to work across ZIP’s work sites in Wellington, Lincoln, Twizel, South Westland and Rakiura. Understanding the challenges on the ground helps us to rapidly develop and adapt solutions that have the best chance of success.  

Candidate 

You’ll have a strong grounding in predator ecology or behaviour, through post-graduate qualifications or equivalent experience, with the ability to translate that knowledge into management interventions. It would be an advantage to know a lot about rats!  

 You will thrive on analysing data, technically leading projects, and thinking outside the box to help develop new ways to restore te taiao. 

 You will be an excellent verbal and written communicator, able to build effective working relationships across different teams, roles and locations, and harness the collective thinking power of the group.  

 Your drive to find a way through, balanced by a resilience and agility to rapidly change tack and pursue a new idea, will set you up for success within our highly motivated and committed team. 

SALARY BAND: $70-85k 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 25th November or until a suitable candidate is found 

APPLY:  Please apply online, or send a cover letter and CV to careers@zip.org.nz, quoting ‘Technical Innovator' in the subject header. 

For more information, please email your questions to careers@zip.org.nz, providing your name and a contact phone number.