Richmond, Tasman District

Help protect our people, places, and taiao.

You'll be part of an organisation that:

• Offers the opportunity to make a real difference to community safety, wellbeing, and resilience
• Base salary plus an inclusive benefits package you can tailor to suit your lifestyle
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid day off on your birthday
• Medical insurance

Tasman District is a place of rivers, coastlines, and communities deeply connected to the natural environment. At Tasman District Council, we're committed to building a thriving, resilient Tasman - Kia manawaroa te tai o Aorere.

We are seeking a Principal Hydrologist to provide leadership in hydrology domain supporting Council's flood warning programme, water resources and compliance.

About the role

The key focus of this role is leading the provision of specialist hydrology expertise across the Council group. In this senior specialist role you'll shape hydrological monitoring, research and investigations, deliver trusted advice for engineering and policy decisions, and lead our flood warning programme to help protect communities and assets across the Tasman District.

What you'll be doing

In this senior specialist role, you will:

• Ensure Council's environmental monitoring programme collects hydrological data in accordance with industry best practise to meet the strategic requirements of Council and the wider community
• Lead the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of hydrological data, including extreme weather events and climate change impacts
• Develop, maintain, and enhance hydrological and flood forecasting models integrated with telemetry and weather predictions
• Lead Council's flood warning systems, procedures, and training, ensuring effective 24/7 response capability
• Mentor and coach staff in hydrological analysis
• Represent Tasman District Council in regional and national hydrology and flood warning networks
• Work collaboratively across Council, central government agencies, consultants, and the wider community to support excellent environmental outcomes

What we're looking for:

You'll bring a strong mix of technical expertise, leadership, and relationship-building skills, along with:

• A degree in natural or physical sciences, engineering hydrology, or a related discipline (postgraduate qualification preferred)
• At least 5 years' senior experience in hydrological data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Expert knowledge of flood prediction, warning systems, and hydrological modelling
• Confidence translating complex science into clear, practical advice for decision-makers and communities
• Experience mentoring others and contributing at a strategic level
• Knowledge of local government and Resource Management Act requirements
• Ability and willingness to participate in flood response rosters and emergency management activities
• Strong connections (or the ability to build them) across national hydrology and flood warning networks

Why join Tasman District Council?

At Council, our people are united by shared values of Innovation (Auahatanga), Caring and Sharing (Manaakitanga), Responsibility (Kawenga), and Relationships (Whanaungatanga).

Ready to apply?

Join us and help shape a safer, more resilient Tasman. For more information contact the People and Wellbeing team on 03 543 8988.