Natural Hazards Risk Scientist - NIWA

• Based in Wellington
• Permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week)
• Salary range: $90,000-$96,000 

NIWA is a dynamic research organisation and New Zealand's largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater and marine science. Our core purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand's aquatic resources and environments, to provide an understanding of climate and the atmosphere, and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

What we're looking for:

NIWA is seeking a Natural Hazards Risk Scientist to work at our marine and climate research-focused, 300 strong, harbour-side Wellington campus. Working within a small team of natural and climate hazards risk modelers and analysts, you will undertake natural hazard risk research and consulting services with a focus on climate hazards, particularly coastal (including sea level rise) and fluvial flooding. The position has a primary focus to develop and apply innovative scientific methods and tools to quantify the social and economic impacts of natural and climate hazards in New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific Region. Translating this information into products and services that advance natural and climate hazard risk research and management is a key requirement of the position.

What you will bring:

• A recognized post-graduate degree in geosciences, atmospheric sciences or disaster management or computer science, or experience as a chartered Engineer or natural and hazard risk modeler/researcher.
• Proven experience in natural hazard risk modelling and assessment, preferably with a natural and climate hazard focus
• Experience of working in a consultancy environment, interacting with practitioners and delivering client-focused solutions
• Proven ability to clearly impart information verbally and in written form (e.g. technical reports and journal papers) to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Experience managing research and/or consulting projects and leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience in the use or development of geographic information systems (GIS) and processes
• Scientific programming skills, with languages such as Python, R or Matlab. Experience in the use of Java and/or Windows batch scripting an advantage
• Experience in the use of natural and climate hazard risk modelling software (e.g. RiskScape, HAZUS, OASIS, CAPRA) an advantage
• Proficiency in Windows, Linux or Unix operating systems
• Experience in operating numerical modelling software related to the simulation of hydrodynamic hazards (e.g. HEC-RAS, MIKE FLOOD, ANUGA)

We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point referenced in the position description, please still get in touch!

NIWA offers flexible working options (e.g., part-time, flexible start and finish times). We are happy to discuss potential flexible options for this position at the interview stage.

NIWA promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and takes pride on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.