Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) are seeking an experienced Coring Technician to join the team our carbon measurement programme. Your work directly enables ZIP to accurately measure and verify the additional carbon being generated as a result of our intensive wild animal control.
The successful applicant will be based from our Christchurch office and laboratory in Lincoln, and will be required to regularly travel to Franz Josef and surrounding field sites to collect field data.
Te Tūranga/The Position:
In this role, you will support ZIP’s scientists by carrying out end-to-end processing of indigenous tree cores as part of our carbon measurement programme. You will collect and process high-quality tree cores from native forest and prepare them for dendrochronological analysis. and work closely with other scientists and engineers to refine coring methods and ensure the delivery of clean, reliable dendrochronological data.
A background in dendrochronology is essential, and a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach will be key to your success in this role.
This is a full-time, permanent role: 30 hours per week.
Working hours are Monday – Friday between the hours of 8am – 5pm with some flexibility as needed around travel and field trips.
Ngā Mahi me Ngā Kawenga/Tasks & Responsibilities:
Visiting field sites as required to collect usable tree cores and securely returning these to the laboratory for preparation, scanning and analysis
Processing of wood cores in the laboratory through established methodologies by drying, gluing, and mounting samples, then using sanders and wood planers to create smooth, analysis-ready surfaces
Capture high-resolution scans and microscope images of tree ring samples for permanent scientific records
Use of CooRecorder, CDendro and related software packages to count and date tree rings, building precise year-by-year growth chronologies and use of R and other analysis tools to quality-check data and deliver accurate results to ZIP’s science team
Ngā Pūkenga me te Wheako/Skills and Experience:
Knowledge & Experience
A tertiary qualification in a relevant science.
Minimum 6 months experience in dendrochronology, including tree-ring dating on New Zealand native tree species and the use of software programs such as CooRecorder and CDendro is essential.
Familiarity with wood core sample preparation techniques, including mounting, sanding, and surface finishing.
Experience using R for data quality checking and reporting, and comfort working with scientific datasets.
Knowledge of and experience with New Zealand’s native forest ecology and tree species. Preference will be given to candidates with experience specific to the forest systems of South Westland, such as broadleaf-podocarp species including kāmahi, rātā and rimu.
Practical Skills & Capabilities
Confidence using high-resolution scanners, microscopes, and digital imaging equipment for dendrochronological analysis.
Physically fit and comfortable operating in backcountry environments, including off-track terrain to collect tree cores.
Experience with hand and power tools and the safe handling of laboratory and field equipment.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, repeatable results.
Mō Mātou/About ZIP:
A not-for-profit organisation that celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, 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 90 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. We are ready to accelerate into the next phase of growth and therefore need to scale the size of our team accordingly. For more information on our achievements to date, visit zip.org.nz.
Te ahurea o te Tima/The Team Culture:
People – our team, conservation partners and other stakeholders – are always our number one priority, without exception. We are caring, connected, empowered and innovative.
ZIPs 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
| Applications close: | Thursday 7th May (2 weeks from listing) |
|---|---|
| Apply: | Via Seek |
| Reference: | Coring Technician |
| Salary band: | $65,000 - $75,000 |
We will be accepting applications until close of business on Thursday 7th May 2026.
For more information please email careers@zip.org.nz, providing your name and a contact phone number.