Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist

About the company

Tonkin + Taylor is a New Zealand employee-owned consultancy with a strong reputation in engineering and environmental services. The organisation is known for technical depth, collaborative delivery, and solutions that help address complex challenges while supporting a better world.

The team values its people as its greatest strength, with a focus on professional growth, wellbeing, and career development. Its Ecology + Water Science group in New Zealand brings together a broad mix of technical specialists, creating strong opportunities for collaboration and learning.

About the role

The Christchurch-based Ecology + Water Science team is seeking an experienced Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist to provide specialist ecological input and technical leadership on major infrastructure and land development work across New Zealand.

This role is suited to someone with hands-on experience with New Zealand native lizards and a solid grasp of ecological impact assessment, lizard management, salvage and relocation methods, and the regulatory framework around protected species. The position offers scope to shape the role around your strengths and to work with a high level of autonomy.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific and ecological expertise across terrestrial and wetland environments, including habitat and vegetation mapping, ecological assessments, fauna surveys with a strong herpetofauna focus, and species salvage, relocation, and monitoring programmes.
• Lead native lizard survey work and oversee handling, salvage, relocation, and post-relocation monitoring in line with best-practice guidance and permit conditions.
• Develop, review, and put into action Lizard Management Plans and wider Ecological Management Plans for different habitats and species.
• Direct and support field teams carrying out ecological mitigation and monitoring activities.
• Make sure field operations meet permit obligations, health and safety standards, and industry expectations.
• Contribute to Ecological Impact Assessments, technical documentation, ecological management plans, and compliance reporting.
• Work closely with internal specialists across environmental geoscience, planning, geotechnical, civil, coastal, and environmental engineering teams.
• Advise on ecological policy and regulatory matters, and help develop integrated scientific, engineering, and ecological responses for complex projects.
• Coach and support junior and intermediate ecologists to help build capability within the team.
• Engage with project managers, contractors, clients, iwi, and regulators, including the Department of Conservation.
• Work with mana whenua to understand cultural values connected to terrestrial ecosystems and taonga species, and weave mātauranga Māori into ecological management, restoration, and enhancement work.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree or PhD in Ecology, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in consulting, regulatory, and/or research settings, with consulting experience seen as an advantage.
• Capability in managing terrestrial flora and fauna, especially herpetofauna.
• Proven experience working with New Zealand native lizards and operating under Wildlife Act Authority conditions.
• Practical background in preparing and implementing Lizard Management Plans, plus lizard salvage, relocation, and monitoring programmes.
• Experience on large-scale land development and/or infrastructure projects.
• Leadership capability and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong client-facing skills and relationship management experience.
• Good project management ability and commercial awareness.
• Excellent written communication and technical report writing skills.
• Experience using GIS and ecological data management systems.
• Practical, solution-oriented thinking with initiative and strong analytical judgment.
• High attention to detail and professional presentation standards.
• Council hearing, Environment Court, or Board of Enquiry experience is desirable.
• A current driver licence.
• A genuine interest in contributing to a large, supportive, nationally focused ecology team.
• A strong passion for ecology and for helping shape leading practice in New Zealand.

Benefits

• $750 annual wellbeing allowance.
• Shareholding opportunities.
• Flexible work options, including part-time arrangements and the ability to buy additional leave.
• An active social club.
• Modern, contemporary office spaces.
• Paid parental and partner leave.
• Long service leave and sabbatical opportunities.
• Employee discounts across up to 400 retailers.
• Wellbeing support such as vaccinations, fruit baskets, and an award-winning wellbeing programme.
• Support for professional memberships.
• Study assistance.
• Additional annual, parental, and marital leave.
• Ongoing professional and technical development opportunities.

Additional information

The organisation’s value of “Everyone Matters” underpins its commitment to inclusion, participation, and equal opportunity. It is an Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer, a member of Diversity Works, and a partner of TupuToa and Pūhoro STEMM Academy.

Applicants who speak Te Reo Māori or Pasifika languages are especially encouraged to apply. The organisation also welcomes applications from rainbow communities and is working toward Rainbow Tick accreditation.