Senior Scientist - Fisheries NZ | Wellington City

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Scientist – Fisheries NZ

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington

General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $135,076 per annum depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Science is a key component of Fisheries New Zealand and the science team is responsible for providing scientific advice on the status of fish stocks and on assessing and mitigating environmental effects of fishing.

The Senior Scientist is responsible for contributing to the quality assurance over the fisheries science utilised by Fisheries NZ.

Some of your key responsibilities will require you to work on (but not limited to):

• Providing scientific advice within Fisheries New Zealand and providing an interface between fisheries managers and research providers
• Oversight of research projects and peer review working group processes
• Stock assessment and monitoring analysis
• Supporting the Principal Scientist when they are coordinating the Antarctic fisheries science
• Supporting the development of research plans and project specifications, including the evaluation of tenders
• Provision of wider support across the science team pertaining to the aquatic environment, stock assessment, and supporting the generation of the plenary report

About You – Mōu

You will be passionate about the marine environment and fish/fisheries to join the Science Team within Fisheries New Zealand.

You will bring with you:

• A Master of Science in fisheries science, marine ecology or other related science area
• A background in Stock assessment
• Broad knowledge and practical experience in fisheries science or another quantitative area
• Strong analytical ability (including maths or statistics papers to at least second year level) and problem-solving skills
• A demonstrated ability to produce written material that is fluent and clear, as well as good communication skills to interact with a diverse range of internal and external clients/stakeholders
• Solid spreadsheet, database and programming skills
• Experience of iwi interaction or with mātauranga Māori would be advantageous
• Antarctic experience would be especially advantageous

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Science Team has a depth of both stock assessment and broader aquatic environment experience. The team has a mix of Principal and Senior Scientists, Scientists, Principal Advisors and a Science Officer.

The Fisheries Science team covers a broad range of relevant marine science including stock assessments, bycatch quantification and mitigation, as well as biodiversity research and effects of seafood production on marine populations and communities, with an increasing consideration of ecological links and marine ecosystems. We work proactively with fisheries managers and a wide range of stakeholders to solve problems and obtain new data and ideas for innovative and improved solutions.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Annual Wellness payment
• Comprehensive MPI Induction Programme
• Mentoring and coaching programmes

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or to submit an application, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site.

To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 09 November2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email Fiona.Ramson@mpi.govt.nz  

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