Job Description
Full job description
For the right candidate we will also consider remote working in other locations.
Korero mo te turanga - About the role
The key purpose of this role is to provide a data science lens to what we do at LINZ. The data scientist will help LINZ use data and advanced analytics and AI to solve real problems. You will explore data, build models, test ideas, and support the delivery of Proof of Concepts and prototypes that aid better decisions and services for New Zealanders.
This role brings strong technical skills and a practical approach to applying data science to AI. You will work with a team focused on proving outcomes in the new AI Accelerator at LINZ to deliver reliable, safe and ethical data science solutions
He pukenga tou - Skills & Experience
At least three years in data science, machine learning or AI roles
Strong skills in Python or similar languages
Experience preparing data, developing models and evaluating results
Understanding of modern AI methods including natural language processing and predictive modelling
Experience with large language models or interest in developing this skill
Experience working independently and delivering quality outputs
Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences
Strong problem-solving skills and able to work in a fast paced, changing environment
Desirable
Experience with AWS
Understanding of responsible AI standards and public sector expectations
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams
Experience working in agile or iterative delivery environments
Good understanding of data and digital systems
Ability to explain technical concepts in plain language
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Comfortable working with ambiguity and shaping direction in new areas
Key responsibilities
Data science delivery
Build, test and improve machine learning and AI models that meet business needs
Explore, clean and prepare data from a range of sources
Use structured and unstructured data including text, images, geospatial and time series data
Apply best practice methods for model evaluation and testing
Document work clearly so it can be reviewed, reused and improved
Ensure data and models follow privacy, security and responsible AI requirements
AI solution development
Work with an AI engineer and AI Product owner to create prototypes to test ideas quickly
Use modern AI tools and techniques such as large language models, RAG workflows,
Work to make deployment of models into production environments provable within a short timeframe
Monitor performance of models and make improvements as needed
Leading data engineers in automating business processes.
Technical advice and support
Support business projects by providing Data Science advice and expertise to ensure the use and reporting of data is optimised
Provide clear, accurate advice on data science and AI methods
Explain technical topics in plain language
Help teams understand what the data can and cannot do
Support colleagues to build capability with data and AI uses
Collaboration and engagement
Work with business owners, digital delivery teams and data teams to understand the problem and define success
Participate in design and planning sessions to make sure data science can support the outcomes sort and meet business needs
Share learnings and results with the wider organisation
Build good relationships with technical partners, vendors and government communities of practice
Governance, privacy and security
Follow LINZ policies for privacy, security and data handling
Contribute to risk assessments, documentation and assurance processes for AI solutions
Support responsible and transparent use of data and models
Key working relationships
Internal
AI Accelerator team
Digital Delivery
Business owners
Information security, privacy and legal teams
External
Vendors and delivery partners
Government data, digital and AI communities of practice
Sector or research partners where relevant
The annual full-time salary range for this role is between $120,000 -$140,000 depending on skills and experience.
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.
Wellbeing allowance reimbursement
Ability to purchase additional leave
Annual Flu Vaccinations
Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
Diverse groups and networks
If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave
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 experience 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 10th March 2026 is the closing date, we will 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. We also reserve the right to extend the advertising date if no suitable candidates have been identified.
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 (Digital Specialist Level Toru/3) 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 People Services Team will be in touch with you.
