Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician/Analyst - Manaaki Whenua

Our Land, Our Future, Tō tātou whenua, mō āpōpō.   

Our ambition at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research is to enable New Zealanders to make informed decisions about how they use our land, soil, and water resources.

Our purpose is to drive innovation in New Zealand's management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources, and as such we play a key role in providing information and tools that support effective management of our land resources to both protect and enhance the terrestrial environment and grow New Zealand's prosperity.

Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research is one of seven Crown Research Institutes in New Zealand. Together, we strive to address New Zealand's most pressing issues and achieve economic growth by improving sectors' productivity and improving the sustainable use of natural resources.

The opportunity 

We are looking for an entry and/or experienced GIS Analyst to join our Land Use Mapping (LUM) programme team in Palmerston North on a 18 month fixed-term basis to meet urgent demand in our traditional GIS mapping work. While the role requires GIS editing work, there is scope to also support other science GIS/mapping activities, such as remote sensing and data generation activities. 

The key aspects of this role involve: 

• Satellite imagery interpretation
• Work on large-scale mapping projects 
• Mapping land-use classes and land-use change
• Land-use change analysis (using ArcGIS)
• Using GIS to visualise, analyse and interpret spatial data 
• Analysis and interpretation of remote sensing data
• Working to prepare, digitise, and visualise aerial images
• Assisting in reporting and map preparation

About you 

You are a GIS analyst with the ability to apply technical skills and spatial science or location intelligence knowledge. This includes you having experience with geospatial software and techniques, as well as exposure or experience working with NZ national scale remote-sensing and geospatial mapping work, such as LUCAS and LCDB. 

You are enthusiastic, comfortable working as part of a team, and a problem-solver with attention to detail and an ability to prioritise workloads whilst remaining resilient to dynamic or changing work schedules. Ideally you are also keen to continue learning additional skills as required.

We expect you to have:

• A tertiary qualification in relevant discipline, such as geographic information systems, geography, or geology; with a focus on GIS and Remote Sensing
• Experience working with GIS software and related techniques with an interest in growing your technical skills in spatial science and analysis 
• Experience working with national-scale mapping data, related technology expertise or a range of industry-based experience 
• Working knowledge of ESRI software product suite, especially ESRI ArcGIS 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in working with different cultures and understanding of New Zealand's bicultural approach and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Why Manaaki Whenua 

"Our land, our future" is the essence of why Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research exists. At Manaaki Whenua we undertake research that focuses on preserving New Zealand's rich biodiversity, improving biosecurity, and protecting the health of the land, fresh water and soil resources we need for a prosperous future. We recognise the importance of partnerships, the special role of Māori, and the need to ensure that all New Zealanders have the knowledge, understanding, and tools to truly live in harmony with our precious environment. We are recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of our research and work with a wide range of organisations within New Zealand and globally.  

Manaaki Whenua embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. 

What we offer 

As an employee of Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, you will work with passionate and talented people in a caring and family friendly environment; enjoy good staff benefits and the opportunity for personal growth and career development. 

This is a fixed-term position based in Palmerston North, and will be fulltime (37.5 hours per week).  

How to apply 

Enquiries about the position may be directed to Mandy James, [email protected] . For further details about Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, watch this short clip: Manaaki Whenua and visit our website: www.landcareresearch.co.nz . 

Apply online by viewing the position description and then clicking the 'Appl' button below. 

Applications close on 30 January 2023 at 5pm NZT.