We are seeking a GIS and Data Analyst to join our tīma (team) in a full time capacity. The role is based in Christchurch, with opportunities to travel and work in beautiful and remote places of the South Island.
About the role
As our GIS and Data Analyst, you will help manage critical data flows—from initial field capture to automated reporting and database management—ensuring our expanding predator elimination programmes run effectively, and our decisions are data driven.
You will also play a vital, hands-on role in the delivery of aerial operations. This means designing flight lines, mapping out bait distribution, and working with helicopter and drone systems.
Most of the work will be office-based however, some travelling will be required to support aerial operations and there will be opportunities to work from our field sites to get grounded in the work and connect with the team. Aerial operations are weather-dependent and travelling may be required at short notice—enjoying a dynamic working environment is essential to this role.
You will balance exciting, hands-on operational support with the foundational, routine data processing and digitising tasks that keep our conservation efforts accurate and effective. We are looking for someone who will enjoy expanding their technical skillset and being part of a dynamic, collaborative team.
Key responsibilities
Lead the design of aerial elimination and response operations using QGIS in coordination with various teams and support on the day implementation.
Utilise coding and data visualisation skills to generate map reports as needed and work with the team to identify questions or challenges they have and use data and spatial analysis to help solve them.
Work as part of a team on development projects to update or develop new geospatial tools and systems.
Monitor a variety of systems and databases to ensure they are performing well and ensuring that the data is accurate.
Support the wider ZIP team with queries, provide support, training and documentation so that they can perform their jobs successfully.
Support the wider ZIP team by taking on tasks that would suit your unique personal knowledge and skills.
Full job description is available upon request.
Your skills and experience
Tertiary qualification in Geospatial Data Systems (or equivalent experience) and at least one year of professional workplace experience. Recent graduates with strong professional maturity may be considered.
Solid working knowledge of QGIS, ESRI, or equivalent GIS software. We are looking for strong fundamentals and a fast learner who can hit the ground running.
Experience or an understanding of Python and SQL and a desire to further develop these skills.
Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and handling high-pressure tasks. The ability to manage changing tasks and priorities at short notice with changing context.
Flexibility/willingness to travel at short notice.
The ability to establish, maintain relationships and effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms with a diverse and dispersed team.
Meticulous attention to detail, able to ensure a high level of accuracy is maintained in datasets.
About us
A not-for-profit organisation that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, ZIP has grown from an ambitious start-up established by the NEXT Foundation and the Department of Conservation to a credible, highly capable independent company of 100 passionate practitioners, scientists, engineers and enablers.
Most of our current mahi is focussed in the rainforests of South Westland, the drylands of Aoraki/Mount Cook, on Rakiura/Stewart Island and assisting in the urban environment of Predator Free Wellington. You can see information about our achievements to date on this site.
Our culture
People – our team, conservation partners and other stakeholders – are always our number one priority, without exception. We are caring, connected, empowered and innovative.
ZIP’s team culture is about prioritising wellbeing, health and safety, and building strong internal connections. We value open communication, shared ownership, and supporting each other to meet challenges and achieve our conservation mission.
How to apply
Apply via Seek by 10/12/2026.
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.