About the role
The purpose of this role is to help solve the scientific and technical challenges that arise as we continue to refine our elimination approach across different landscapes. Success in this role will lead to socially acceptable tools and techniques that achieve and maintain predator freedom across the mainland so that people and te taiao can thrive.
Key responsibilities
Design and/or refine ZIP's approaches for achieving predator freedom, including taking responsibility for one or more projects such as achieving ground-based predator elimination across diverse landscapes, minimising and/or responding to predator reinvasion, designing approaches to trial new or novel tools, and developing and tracking ecological performance metrics
Support the operational implementation of technical designs and approaches through technical recommendations and engagement with on-site challenges
Develop and foster effective working relationships across the ZIP team and external peers
Analyse complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights to interpret data and make informed recommendations to the wider team
Generate written and/or visual reports and present findings on ZIP's work to the team, partners, and the wider scientific community
Build the scientific credibility of ZIP's work within the conservation community through scientific papers, technical reports, and presentations
Maintain currency within relevant scientific and technical areas
Support the wider ZIP teams with tasks that suit your unique personal knowledge, skills, and ability to grow
About you
Demonstrated expertise in ecology and conservation through post-graduate qualifications or equivalent experience
Knowledge of invasive species ecology and experience in predator control or eradication is beneficial
Strong analytical yet open mind, able to interrogate data in different ways to inform evidence-based management decisions
Experience with QGIS and R is a plus
Able to technically lead projects, drive a sense of urgency, and ensure timelines are met
Ability to look for new solutions and have the agility to pivot to the next best ideas
Able to work collaboratively to navigate complex challenges which may require significant changes to the work programme at short notice
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members both in person and remotely
Track record in publishing scientific literature and technical reports to communicate impact to the wider science community
Sensitivity to the context and background of audiences and associated individuals and groups
Ability to understand the big picture and hold your individual work programme within that context
Respond to critical feedback in a curious and reflective manner, and provide feedback in a constructive way
Willing and able to occasionally work outside normal office hours
Comfortable getting out into project sites to gain grounded perspective on challenges and opportunities
Committed to continuous learning, skill development, and sharing knowledge within the team
Comfortable making or supporting difficult decisions when needed, even when they diverge from initial plans
Willing and able to work in a dynamic environment, adjusting plans as priorities, conditions, or locations change—sometimes at short notice
Actively engages in the mahi by building understanding through hands-on experience and genuine, open conversations within the community
What we offer
We offer a competitive salary package and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to conservation outcomes in one of New Zealand's most iconic regions. You will work with a dedicated, passionate team committed to environmental protection and community collaboration. We provide a supportive work environment that values professional development and encourages team members to build their expertise in conservation and community engagement.
We recognise the importance of work-life balance and flexibility where possible. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome discussions about any adjustments or support you may require to succeed in this role. As an equal opportunities employer, we actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.
About us
Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is working to protect native taonga and restore te taiao (nature) by removing invasive predators across mainland Aotearoa. ZIP is adapting and refining elimination approaches to completely remove predators within the context of three landscape scale projects: Predator Free South Westland (PFSW), Te Manahuna Aoraki Project (TMAP) and Predator Free Rakiura (PFR).
Our culture prioritises people – our team, conservation partners and other stakeholders – as our number one priority. We are caring, connected, empowered and innovative, keeping people safe, delivering rapid prototypes and experimenting, communicating openly, creating accessible solutions that work well, investing strategically, and striving for continuous improvement.
How to apply
Apply via Seek by 11/11/2026.
All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
For more information, please email your questions to careers@zip.org.nz, providing your name and a contact phone number.
Accepting applications until 11/11/2026.