Principal Fluvial Geomorphologist

About the organisation

WSP is a global professional services company that brings together engineers, advisers, and scientists from many disciplines and regions. The organisation works to help shape communities and create lasting positive impact through future-focused thinking and major projects.

Role overview

This opportunity sits within the Primary Industries group and focuses on fluvial morphodynamics. The role involves carrying out geomorphic and flood risk assessments, contributing technical input to design work, and offering leadership support across Primary Industries and the wider business. At a principal level, you will act as a mentor within the team, provide expert-level guidance, and review technical work for the wider organisation.

The position is part of the Rural Water team and places strong emphasis on sustainable working landscapes and rural catchments. It calls for strong field and desktop capability, alongside experience in GIS, communication, numerical modelling, geoanalytics, and/or hydraulic or geomorphic design.

The role may be based in Palmerston North, Hamilton, or Christchurch.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant holds a postgraduate qualification in Physical Geography, Geomorphology, Hydraulic Engineering, Engineering Geology, Hydrology, or a closely related discipline. You should bring 10 to 15 years of experience in applied geomorphic assessment and/or design, along with confidence using hydraulic and/or landscape evolution modelling software. Strong fieldwork ability and a current, clean driver licence are also required.

Additional information

Applications are being assessed as they are received, so early submission is encouraged. The role is identified with the tags #NZRegionalBusiness and #NZWater.