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Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist Jobs in New Zealand 2026

May 15, 2026 4:45 pm

Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist Jobs in New Zealand 2026

Environmental science professionals can now explore exciting ecological leadership opportunities within New Zealand’s thriving conservation and infrastructure sectors successfully. This Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist position combines advanced ecological research, environmental management, and meaningful biodiversity conservation work across large-scale national projects. Furthermore, successful candidates will contribute directly to protecting New Zealand’s unique native ecosystems and wildlife species.

About the Role

Tonkin + Taylor currently seeks an experienced Senior Terrestrial Ecologist/Herpetologist supporting ecological consulting services from Christchurch, New Zealand. The role focuses heavily on ecological impact assessments, native lizard management, habitat restoration, and environmental monitoring activities across infrastructure and land development projects. Additionally, successful applicants will provide technical leadership while supporting multidisciplinary environmental and engineering initiatives nationwide.

The selected professional will lead ecological surveys, lizard salvage programs, relocation projects, and post-relocation monitoring activities consistently. Moreover, the position requires strong expertise involving New Zealand herpetofauna, ecological regulations, and protected species management frameworks. Since the organization works on major environmental and infrastructure projects, professionals can expect extensive fieldwork, technical collaboration, and meaningful conservation responsibilities regularly.

Importantly, the employer operates as an accredited New Zealand organization supporting international recruitment pathways under the Accredited Employer Work Visa program successfully. Consequently, qualified international ecologists can strengthen specialist expertise while contributing toward long-term ecological sustainability initiatives within New Zealand.

About the Hiring Firm

Tonkin + Taylor operates as New Zealand’s leading engineering and environmental consultancy delivering innovative technical solutions across environmental, infrastructure, and sustainability sectors consistently. The employee-owned company focuses strongly on scientific excellence, collaboration, and environmentally responsible project delivery supporting communities throughout New Zealand. Furthermore, the organization maintains highly respected ecology and water science teams featuring experienced specialists across multiple environmental disciplines.

Additionally, the company invests heavily in employee wellbeing, professional development, and inclusive workplace practices supporting long-term career growth opportunities consistently. Employees collaborate across environmental science, planning, geotechnical engineering, coastal engineering, and ecological consulting projects nationally. Therefore, professionals joining Tonkin + Taylor gain valuable exposure to complex multidisciplinary environmental initiatives and nationally significant conservation projects.

Job Duties

Conduct ecological surveys focusing on terrestrial habitats and native herpetofauna species consistently.
Lead native lizard salvage, relocation, monitoring, and habitat management activities professionally.
Prepare ecological impact assessments and environmental management plans effectively.
Develop and implement Lizard Management Plans consistently according to regulatory requirements.
Supervise ecological field teams supporting mitigation and environmental monitoring activities regularly.
Ensure all ecological fieldwork complies with permit conditions and industry best practices professionally.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consulting teams effectively.
Provide ecological policy advice supporting infrastructure and land development projects consistently.
Mentor junior ecologists while supporting technical growth and professional development initiatives regularly.
Liaise with contractors, clients, iwi representatives, and regulatory authorities professionally.
Incorporate mātauranga Māori and cultural values into ecological restoration initiatives respectfully.

Job Requirements

MSc or PhD qualification in Ecology or related scientific discipline professionally.
Minimum eight years professional ecological consulting, research, or regulatory experience consistently.
Strong expertise involving terrestrial flora, fauna, and especially herpetofauna management effectively.
Demonstrated experience handling New Zealand native lizards under Wildlife Act Authority conditions.
Proven experience preparing ecological and lizard management plans professionally.
Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure or land development environmental projects consistently.
Strong leadership abilities supporting multidisciplinary environmental project collaboration effectively.
Excellent technical writing, communication, and ecological reporting skills professionally.
Experience using GIS software and ecological data management systems beneficial additionally.
Current driver’s licence supporting regular fieldwork and travel requirements successfully.

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Conclusion

Environmental scientists seeking meaningful conservation leadership opportunities should strongly consider this outstanding New Zealand ecology role immediately. Besides strong professional development and accredited employer support, successful candidates will strengthen ecological expertise while protecting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and natural ecosystems consistently.

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