Job Description
Job Title:
Environmental Scientist – Coastal Water
Quality/Ecology
Directorate:
Environmental Management
Division:
Environmental Information
Date Prepared/Reviewed:
18 June 2012
Purpose of Position
To provide advice and expertise in coastal water quality and ecology relevant to the needs of
Environment Southland.
To develop and implement estuarine and coastal water quality/ecological monitoring,
investigations and research programmes.
To lead and/or participate in the development, implementation, advocacy and monitoring of
coastal water quality/ecology management strategies and programmes.
Relationships
Line Responsibility to:

Principal Scientist

Environmental Information Manager

Director of Environmental Management

Chief Executive
Responsible for:

Any temporary staff allocated from time-to-time

Project team staff, as necessary.
Important Functional Relationships
Internal
Other scientific and technical staff in the EI
Division.
Project leaders and project team members.
Other staff of Environment Southland.
Environment Southland Councillors
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External
Community and special interest groups
Iwi
Territorial authorities
Research organisations
Government Departments and SOE’s in
particular DOC, MfE and FRST
Consultants and advisors
Ratepayers, resource users and the public
Professional colleagues and their associations
3
Work Profile
Key Result Area - Coastal water quality/ecology monitoring, investigations and research
Key Tasks
I am successful when

Plan and conduct coastal water quality/ 
ecological monitoring and investigations.

Plan and conduct
programmes.
estuarine
monitoring


Plan and conduct marine and freshwater bathing
water quality monitoring and investigations.

Reporting of technical information.

Develop and implement procedures (e.g.
indicators) for measuring and reporting on the 
state of Southland's coastal resources.



Contribute to the monitoring and information
strategy to enable Environment Southland to
address its strategic and statutory information 
requirements for coastal water quality/ecological
information requirements.
Develop and implement appropriate quality
assurance procedures in coastal water quality/

ecological monitoring and investigations.

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I have authority to
coastal
water
quality/ecological
monitoring and investigation programmes are in  prepare
monitoring strategies and plans.
place to address the Council's priority coastal
water quality/ecological information needs.
 conduct
coastal
water
quality/ecological
investigations
and
monitoring
programmes, in
coastal water quality/ecological monitoring and
accordance
with
Annual
Plan
provisions
and/or
investigation programmes are conducted in an
the
approval
of
the
Environmental
Information
effective, efficient and timely manner.
Manager.
I prepare reports to a standard appropriate for
publication and in accordance with established  prepare technical reports, in accordance with
Annual Plan provisions and/or the approval of
procedures.
the Environmental Information Manager.
there is a state of the environment monitoring
and reporting framework for coastal water  develop and implement QA procedures in
accordance with the Council's Quality Assurance
quality/ecology that meets the needs of
system.
Environment Southland and its stakeholders.
I prepare and maintain a monitoring strategy that
identifies and plans for current and likely future
coastal water quality/ecological information
needs of the Council.
I contribute to the Council’s overall strategic
planning and development.
appropriate QA procedures for coastal water
quality/ecological monitoring and investigations
are in place and adhered to.
4
Key Result Area – Provision of specialist advice and expertise.
Key Tasks
I am successful when

Provide technical advice to Environment 
Southland staff on matter relating to Coastal
Science.

Assist in identifying the issues related to coastal 
water quality/ecological management and the
information required for their resolution.

Assist in evaluating the suitability and 
effectiveness of options for compliance and
consent conditions, policies and methods in
regional plans.

Provide technical analysis and policy advice to
Council and its Committees.

Prepare and present reports for Council hearing
panels and, on appeal, to the Environment
Court.
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
I have authority to
the advice and information I provide is  provide advice to Council and staff.
technically sound, current, relevant, and credible
 keep staff, management and Councillors
and valued by the staff.
informed of relevant coastal water quality/
ecological issues.
I keep other staff informed of current and likely
future coastal water quality/ecological issues and
 prepare and present reports for Council hearing
programmes.
panels and the Environment Court, as requested.
I provide Council and committees with analysis
and advice that provides for efficient, effective
and defendable decision-making.
I prepare and present reports to standards
commensurate with the requirements of
scientific
peer
review,
these
include:
investigation
reports
and
the
annual
environmental monitoring report.
5
Key Result Area - Science capability
Key Tasks
I am successful when

Maintain
awareness
of
national
and 
international science in the area of coastal water
quality/ecological monitoring and management.

Develop and maintain good working 
relationships with the science and research
community, in particular adopting a pro-active
approach with respect to addressing
Environment Southland's research, science and 
technology (RS&T) needs.

Develop and articulate a strategic assessment of
Environment Southland's and the regions
coastal water quality/ecological science and
information needs.

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I have authority to
my technical approaches and advice reflect  liaise with relevant professionals.
current practice, withstand peer scrutiny, and
 attend workshops, conferences, and other
meet the requirements of relevant legislation.
appropriate fora relevant to coastal water quality/
ecological management, in accordance with
I develop and maintain effective links with other
Annual Plan provisions and/or the approval of the
coastal water quality/ecology professionals and
Environmental Information Manager
environmental management agencies.
I am aware of external RS&T programmes  attend and actively contribute at meetings of the
Coastal Planners and Coastal Scientists RMG SIG.
relevant to coastal water quality/ecology
management and maintain a contemporary
knowledge of current research initiatives,
including: Envirolink projects, FRST research
programmes, CRI and University research
relevant to my area of responsibility.
I ensure that the science and research
community is aware of Environment Southland's
RS&T needs and outputs in coastal water
quality/ecological management.
6
Key Result Area - Coastal water quality/ecology advocacy, awareness and education
Key Tasks




I am successful when
Respond to public enquiries, and requests for 
information on coastal water quality/ecological
matters.

In conjunction with the Environmental
Education Officer, identify and implement
advocacy and education initiatives required to 
address
coastal
water
quality/ecology
management issues.
Develop and maintain effective communication
links with key stakeholders, including sector and
other special interest groups.


Contribute to general publicity concerning
coastal water quality/ecological issues, and the
Council's role in the management of coastal

water resources.

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I have authority to
I provide appropriate written or verbal responses  respond to public enquiries relating to coastal
water quality/ecology matters.
in an accurate and timely manner.
I maintain a register of enquiries and advice  collaborate with the Environmental Education
Officer to identify and develop coastal water
given at all times.
quality/ecological advocacy and education
initiatives and strategies.
I participate in identifying advocacy and
education initiatives and strategies.
 develop and maintain communication links with
key stakeholders.
the information I provide is technically sound,
current, relevant, credible and valued by
 inform, and work with, the Communications
stakeholders.
Officer on any coastal water quality/ecology
issues requiring publicity.
stakeholders value the communication links I
develop and maintain.
I strive to raise awareness of coastal water
quality/ecological management issues and
management practices.
I actively participate and undertake coastal water
quality/ecological publicity initiatives.
7
Key Result Area – Programme development and management
Key Tasks

Assist in leading and coordinating the strategic
and operational planning & delivery of
monitoring, investigation & research activities
contributing to the management of Southland’s
coastal resources.

Assist in the development and implementation
of action plans aimed at reducing non-point
source contamination of coastal resources.
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I am successful when

priorities are:
- agreed
- integrated
- co-ordinated with other programme managers,
- consistent with organisational strategy.

work objectives are compatible with and
contribute to cross-divisional and organisationwide objectives and outputs.
I have authority to

contribute to the analysis of issues, identify
information and knowledge requirements and
develop project briefs to meet agreed
priorities.
8
Key Result Area - Project Management
Key Tasks
I am successful when
I have authority to
 Provide leadership and direction to project team.

 Prepare project proposals, project plans and
budgets.
my project team members understand objectives,  prepare project proposals, plans and associated
budgets.
and work effectively and productively.

my project proposals, plans and budgets are  make decisions about project team functioning,
allocation of tasks, and selection and supervision
adequately specified and justified, and prepared
of consultants.
within required timeframes.

I manage projects to organisational and divisional  advise management of any project management
issues or performance and request management
standards of project management.
assistance or intervention.

I ensure relevant staff are informed of my
 expend project budget in accordance with
projects targets and required out comes.
delegations and Annual Plan provisions.

my divisional manager is kept informed of
project progress in a timely manner.

contract outputs, for which I am responsible, are
completed on time and within budget.
 Co-ordinate and manage project tasks and
budgets.
 Initiate and supervise external contracts.
 Report monthly on the financial status of projects:
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9
Additional Information
Health & Safety
Environment Southland is committed to taking all practical steps to provide a healthy and safe
working environment.
All employees have a responsibility to work toward ensuring that our Health & Safety
Management Plan is effective, which includes practising safe work methods, utilising and making
proper use of safety equipment and eliminating workplace hazards.
Civil Defence Duties
All staff of Environment Southland may be required to undertake Civil Defence duties in the
event of an emergency. Training will be given as appropriate.
Performance Review
We have a Performance Development Programme (PDP) that is the basis for performance
assessment at all levels of the organisation. Individual performance plans are negotiated from
time to time.
Remuneration
Salary will be paid in the range of $72,540-$80,600 per annum according to the skills and
experience of the appointee.
Signed
_________________________________ Job Holder
Date: _______________________
_________________________________ Manager/Supervisor
Date: _______________________
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10
Person Specification
The following attributes and experience are sought for this position.
Knowledge/Experience

A tertiary qualification to post-graduate level – Masters preferred in an appropriate discipline.

Thorough knowledge of biological, ecological and chemical processes in surface (fresh) water
environments.

Knowledge of surface water resource management issues.

Proven ability to design and implement surface water resource and ecological investigation and
monitoring programmes, and a sound understanding of experimental design and statistical
procedures used to analyse water resource and ecological data.

Proven ability to communicate scientific and technical information, and provide technical advice
effectively both orally and in writing, within and across disciplines, to Council staff and
Councillors, to associates and peers, and to the public.

Proven ability in the use of computers, spreadsheets, GIS and modeling packages.

Ability to consult, liaise, and develop and maintain valued and effective working relationships
with Iwi, peers and key stakeholders.

Ability to plan and organise work effectively, and the ability to work within a small, multidisciplinary team.

A working knowledge of the Resource Management Act and Environment Southland’s
responsibilities.
Skills
 Self reliant

Self motivated – goal oriented

Team oriented

Critical thinker

A willingness to meet the roles, need to strike a balance between innovation and project
completion.
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