Social Scientist - NIWA

at  Science New Zealand

Are you looking to build your Environmental Social Science career? If so, this early career position with New Zealand’s leading Crown Research Institute is a great opportunity to establish your future.

• Based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch

ABOUT US:

NIWA is a dynamic mission-led research and applied science organisation and New Zealand’s largest and pre-eminent provider of climate, freshwater and marine science. NIWA aims to guide the nation to a prosperous and resilient future by growing the economy, protecting people, assets and ecosystems, and enabling effective responses to environmental change.
NIWA offers a flexible workplace environment with an “office first” culture. We believe teamwork and collaboration happen best when our people have the opportunity to interact in person - that’s where the magic happens!
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 promotes the importance and value of an inclusive and diverse workforce, including the Rainbow Community, and pride ourselves on being a family-friendly and supportive workplace.
Job Details
Crown research institute

You’ll be working with some of the most talented and high performing research and applied science teams in the science sector, and collaborating with NIWA’s biophysical, economic and cultural scientists to contribute environmental social science expertise to a diverse range of research and consultancy projects. The position can be based at any of our four main sites, and you could be working on projects throughout New Zealand and potentially the Pacific Islands.
The position offers the opportunity to become a key member of NIWA’s Social Sciences & Economics capability. The primary function of this position is to support multi and transdisciplinary approaches, and in particular, to contribute to and integrate social science and economic knowledge and expertise across many research activities to support delivery of NIWA’s science strategy, as described in our Statement of Corporate Intent. In particular, we are looking for candidates with expertise in the areas of natural hazards and climate change, as well as water resource and water quality management, although other areas of expertise may be considered.
What you will bring:

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Knowledge and experience in the context of climate change adaptation and natural resources.
• Some experience in the interface between social science, biophysical science and environmental management.
• An appreciation of tikanga, Mātauranga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, experience working with Māori and developing the associated capabilities to working effectively with Māori.
• Experience in collaborative research with communities would be advantageous, as would systems thinking, and facilitation and workshop skills.