Principal / Technical Director – Hydrogeology 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated hydrogeologist at Service Leader (Principal) or Technical Director Level. This is a great opportunity to work with a highly specialised team of industry-leading Hydrogeologists, Geologists, Groundwater and Surface Water Engineers across a variety of interesting projects for private and public sector clients.

About the Role

• Lead hydrogeological conceptualisation projects (conceptual model development, groundwater flow/head contouring, source-pathway-receptor understanding, surface water – groundwater interaction).
• Conduct hydrogeological technical assessments, using 2D and 3D numerical flow and contaminant transport modelling skills (SEEPW, MODFLOW, FEFLOW, etc).
• Deliver groundwater projects including the planning and execution of hydrogeological investigations and assessments as Technical Lead
• Provide advice to our clients on groundwater resource management, policy, planning and protection.
• Design and direct desktop and field-based investigations, including groundwater resource exploration, dewatering and environmental programmes in coordination with other workgroups such as contaminated land, geotechnics and water infrastructure.
• Input into a business development strategy, including input to the business planning process, mapping out current and future client base and considering emerging market opportunities
• Mentoring, capacity building and knowledge sharing across the Water Resources team.
• Manage workflows, billing, and risk processes, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and technical standards.
• Build relationships with clients, regulators, and stakeholders while collaborating with other workgroups.
• Manage ongoing work from existing clients, develop relationships with new clients, and raise both your personal profile and the company’s profile by the presentation of papers at conferences.
• Coordinate staff and subcontractors, liaise with regulators, client contacts, and stakeholders, and control budgets.
• Provide solutions, from initial conversation and proposal to development and successful completion.
• Plan, write and review technical reports.
• Prepare environmental management plans, monitoring plans, and consent applications.
• Write and present expert evidence at hearings.

What you’ll bring

• Geo-science or Engineering bachelor’s degree, and ideally a post-graduate degree or master’s degree, from a well-recognised university in a geoscience-related field – preferably with a specialisation/focus in hydrogeology.
• 10+ years of consultancy experience as a hydrogeologist (ideally within the consulting environment).
• Proven commercial and business development skills with existing client relationships.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• The ability to travel within NZ and occasionally work in remote locations.

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 meaningful projects that make a difference to our environment.
• A vibrant environment, committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion.

About Us

PDP is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading environmental science, engineering, and advisory consultancies. We care deeply about our environment and aspire to work in ways that meet today’s needs while providing for future generations. Our team of experts deliver a range of innovative solutions that support our clients’ environmental challenges. We cover everything from air and land to water-related projects.

We take pride in being an employee-owned and operated company with nearly 40 years of experience operating in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Our solutions consistently exceed client expectations, leading to significant, meaningful environmental outcomes for our clients.