Intermediate ecologist 

Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) is a leading environmental and engineering consultancy with a strong presence across Aotearoa New Zealand. For nearly 40 years, we have partnered with clients, iwi, and communities to solve complex challenges across air, land, and water, delivering practical solutions that stand the test of time.

As our projects grow, so does the need for talented people – join us and help shape the future of New Zealand’s environment.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Ecologist to join our team. The role is responsible for the delivery of PDP’s ecology services in our Auckland office. This role is within the Water Resources group and enables the incumbent to apply their knowledge to a range of terrestrial and freshwater ecology investigations. This role will primarily focus on terrestrial ecology (botany and wetlands) with aquatic ecology and water quality work also included when required. The role sits directly alongside a range of other disciplines including groundwater, water and air quality scientists, geohydrologists, environmental and geotechnical engineers, contaminated land specialists and planners. Within this multidisciplinary team, there is a strong support network for the incumbent to develop and deliver successful and highly rewarding projects for our clients.

What you’ll do

Technical input and solutions to a wide range of environmental projects including the following activities:

• Desktop assessments of ecological features using geospatial tools;
• Desktop ecological constraint and opportunity assessments;
• Undertake wetland delineation and vegetation surveys;
• Undertake field surveys of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, including flora, fauna, habitats and ecological values;
• Author technical reports, including ecological effects assessments and application of the mitigation hierarchy to manage potential effects;
• Preparation of ecological management and monitoring plans (e.g., riparian and terrestrial planting plans, restoration plans);
• Analyse data using spreadsheets and statistical software packages (e.g., R);
• Compare data to published standards and guidelines and interpret information to determine environmental effects; and
• Apply company policies in health and safety, quality, administration and technical procedures.

What you’ll bring

We are looking for an individual who it committed to solutions for our environment and using their talent and knowledge against a variety of projects. With your passion and diverse skill set we hope to deliver quality to our clients and therefore we hope the ideal candidate will have the following:

• An Honours or Masters degree in ecology, or an equivalent environmental science qualification.
• A minimum of two – four years of professional experience, preferably in a NZ environmental consulting or Local Government environment.
• Strong botanical and plant ecology knowledge and experience;
• Basic knowledge of freshwater ecology and terrestrial fauna;
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including sound technical reporting skills;
• Be familiar with the use of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) Wetland delineation protocols (2020) and vegetation survey methodologies;
• Familiarisation with relevant environmental legislation (e.g., national policy statements and environmental standards for freshwater and indigenous biodiversity);
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to self-manage workloads;
• A self-starter who has initiative, an enquiring mind and a genuine interest in PDP’s business;
• Practical problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach;
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally for field work and multi-site work, including overnight stays; and
• Possess valid, clean driver’s licence.

What we offer

• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, income protection, salary top up for parental leave and the ability to purchase extra annual leave.
• Flexible/hybrid working culture, facilitating a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including support for ongoing training and education, and fully subsidised membership fees.
• The chance to work on challenging projects that make a difference to our environment.
• A vibrant environment, committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion.
• Guidance and mentoring to develop professional skills.

About Us

PDP is a leading New Zealand consultancy specialising in air, land, and water. We cater to diverse projects from major infrastructure works to smaller scale investigations and upgrades in both the municipal and private sectors.  With almost 40 years of experience and a team of 300 experts across multiple locations in NZ, we’re proudly employee-owned and committed to an environment where your expertise is valued, and your career can flourish.  At PDP, we believe a great company is built and nurtured by great people, and so we’re dedicated to providing a fun and supportive environment to our people.