Job Description
Job details
Job type
Fixed term contract
Full-time
Location
Wellington City, Wellington
Full job description
Korero mo te turanga - About the role
You'll tackle a fascinating technical challenge: accurately delineating rivers using remote sensing and high-resolution DEMs to support three critical initiatives at Toitu Te Whenua. This isn't just academic research, your work will directly inform regulatory decisions about marginal strips, help surveyors identify river boundaries within land parcels, and feed into New Zealand's Topographic Data. You'll start with proven techniques but have the freedom to explore innovative approaches.
Specific deliverables expected by end of internship
Develop and document processes for river capture using remote sensing techniques
Compare your results against surveyed river boundaries to validate accuracy
Build automated workflows using spatial tools for river delineation
Evaluate and compare existing river datasets for optimal use cases
Create scalable solutions that work across diverse New Zealand landscapes
He pukenga tou - Skills & Experience
Currently studying GIS, Geography, or Environmental Science (3rd year or higher)
Strong foundation in remote sensing principles and applications
Comfortable processing large geospatial datasets
Experience working with DEMs and understanding of topographic analysis
Problem-solver who can independently explore multiple technical approaches
Able to communicate technical findings to both technical and regulatory teams
Desirable
Python programming skills for workflow automation
Machine learning experience or keen interest to learn
Experience with LiDAR data processing
Knowledge of New Zealand's river systems and regulatory frameworks
Nga mea e tukuna ana e tatau - What we offer our employees
Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
Te Takinatanga - Our Story
Toitu Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations. Now and for future generations.
Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan
Toitu Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experiences and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.
Tono mai - How to Apply
If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team.
To apply, please click "Apply Online." You'll be taken through to our Toitu Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter.
Please note, while applications close 14 Ocotber 2026, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.
You may notice that the Position Description title for this role Geospatial Specialist - Level 1 doesn't match the advertised title. At Toitu Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.
If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitu Te Whenua, please email opportunities@linz.govt.nz and our Recruitment Team will be in touch with you.
