Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Te Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you? 

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi?  / What work do we do?

We’re focused on creating a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities - matching our skills and resources with the vision and aspirations of our people. Our mahi involves working in partnership with tāngata whenua and our communities to protect and care for our waters, land, air and native life, while building our region’s resilience and adapting to a changing climate. When you join us, you’re part of something bigger-  helping Te Taitokerau thrive for generations to come. 

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.    

Te āheinga / The opportunity

Join our marine biosecurity team and take an active role in protecting Northland’s coastal waters through field‑based diving operations, marine pest surveillance, and collaborative monitoring programmes. This full‑time, fixed term role (12 months) places you at the forefront of marine pest management, supporting research initiatives, assisting with compliance investigations, and helping to educate vessel owners and the wider community on best‑practice biosecurity. Your ability to engage effectively, promote awareness, and implement practical protection measures will be central to safeguarding the region’s marine environment.

A key component of this position is serving as the Dive Safety Officer, where you will oversee all diving operations, uphold safe‑diving standards, maintain training and certification requirements, and ensure strong incident‑reporting and operational readiness across the programme. A WorkSafe NZ Certificate of Competency for scientific diving is essential, reflecting the high level of professionalism and safety required.

If you’re committed to marine conservation and passionate about hands‑on environmental protection, this is your opportunity to be part of a supportive and dedicated team driving meaningful change in our coastal waters.

He kōrero mōu / About you

We are looking for someone who can bring the following skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience to our diverse team: 

• A degree in a relevant discipline such as marine ecology.
• Experience working on boats and/or SRL qualification (Skipper Restricted Limits)
• Have broad technical expertise, and experience, in scientific diving
• Be an active dive master or higher rating from an internationally recognised diver certifying agency
• Hold a current scientific diving certification of competence from Worksafe NZ
• Have engaged in sustained or successive scientific diving activities during the past two years
• Have at least 100 hours of underwater scientific diving experience.
• High standard of technical knowledge, and experience in marine pest management techniques
• Strong analytical skills, including analysis of spatial data and use of GIS.
• Strong verbal communication skills for a range of audiences including members of the public, industry representatives, scientists, and councillors.
• High proficiency in use of Microsoft applications Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience as a biosecurity warranted officer, or enforcement experience, would be an advantage.
• Current full drivers’ licence.

Ko te aha ngā painga o te mahi kei konei? / What are the benefits of working here?

Just as you care about your community and environment, NRC cares about you and your wellbeing. Our organisation celebrates collective efforts and achievements and recognises every individual for their contributions and dedication to their mahi.    

We understand the importance of flexibility, so we’re committed to alternative working arrangements for our staff. We offer a range of flexible work arrangements to suit our people’s varied lifestyles, commitments and cultural needs.

Tono mai / Apply

The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contact our Biosecurity Manager – Marine, Kaeden Leonard (Kaedenl@nrc.govt.nz). To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work: JD Biosecurity Officer - Marine

 Applications close on 29 March 2026  

We review applications as they are received. Apply online now, as the close date may change. Please note that we do not accept email applications.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.