Environmental Scientist
We’re looking for an Environmental Scientist to provide specialist environmental and regulatory expertise across Wellington Water’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
· Make a real impact on environmental outcomes across Wellington’s three waters networks
· Work at the interface of science, regulation, and operational delivery
· Support sustainable, compliant water services for communities across the region
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week based in Petone.
The remuneration range for this role is $93,445 to $131,922 p.a. (this includes KiwiSaver). Remuneration is dependent on skills and experience.
The opportunity
We’re looking for an Environmental Scientist to provide specialist environmental and regulatory expertise across Wellington Water’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks.
In this role, you’ll support planning, consenting, monitoring, and reporting activities to ensure our operations meet environmental, legislative, and sustainability obligations. You’ll work closely with internal operational teams and external stakeholders to identify and manage environmental risks, improve compliance outcomes, and support environmentally responsible decision‑making.
This is a hands‑on role with a mix of monitoring results, carrying out field assessments, report writing and engaging specialists when required, so a strong regulatory and operational focus is required. Your work will directly contribute to protecting the environment and supporting Wellington Water’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
About you
You’re an environmental professional with experience working in regulated environments and a practical understanding of compliance, monitoring, and reporting obligations. You bring a collaborative approach and are confident in engaging with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
You’ll ideally have:
A bachelor‑level qualification in environmental science or equivalent experience
2–5 years’ experience working in environmental science or a related field
Working knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991 and relevant environmental legislation
Experience with environmental monitoring, sampling programmes, and compliance reporting
Confidence in analysing data and using insights to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, regulators, and external stakeholders
A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices
Experience within utilities, three waters, or regulated infrastructure environments will be highly regarded.
Benefits
At Wellington Water, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Wellington Water is the professional water services provider across Greater Wellington and South Wairarapa. Our job is to provide safe and healthy drinking water, collect and treat wastewater, and ensure the stormwater network is well managed. We’re a multi-council owned entity, tasked to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
The value of water (a precious taonga) sits at our organisational heart. Our people are passionate about providing waters services for our communities and environment which is reflective in our values; Tangata Tiaki, Whānau and Mana.
Applications close 27th April 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: Click Here
To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Wellington Water Careers site. Please note that if you are a Wellington Water employee, please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@wellingtonwater.co.nz
Applicants for safety-sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Wellington Water. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Treatment and Control Systems
- Role
- Network Performance & Commercial Compliance
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
About Wellington Water
Wellington Water is owned by the Hutt, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Wellington city, South Wairarapa District, and the Greater Wellington Regional councils
The work Wellington Water does is vital and rewarding. We’re tangata tiaki for Wellington’s water, and caretakers of our water infrastructure. Every day, we work to ensure that our communities have access to safe, sufficient, reliable and efficient water services. WWL is growing, and opportunities are growing along with it. It’s a transformative time in the industry.