Careers at NIWA

Find out more about working at NIWA

We know that our people are everything, and to produce top-quality science we need to attract, develop and retain the very best people.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA) is New Zealand's leading environmental science and applied research service provider, specialising in atmospheric, freshwater and marine research. We work at the forefront of some of the most critical environmental issues facing the planet, and our staff are recognised as international experts in their fields.

As a Crown Research Institute, our purpose is to enhance the economic value and sustainable management of New Zealand's aquatic resources and environments, to provide an understanding of climate and the atmosphere and increase resilience to weather and climate hazards to improve the safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Our people are our greatest asset. We have 600 - 700 staff working at NIWA, at our 14 sites around New Zealand, both in science and support roles. To produce top-quality science we need to provide a work environment that attracts, retains and develops the very best people, and enables them to do their best work. We offer generous employee benefits and work-life balance initiatives and have led the way in our efforts to achieve better pay for the science sector in New Zealand.

As a permanent employee, you will receive professional development and training, varied and interesting work, flexible working hours, life and disability insurance, free car parking, personal development leave, relocation support if you're moving to New Zealand from overseas and a lot more. 

This section of our website is devoted to making the application process quick and easy. You can apply directly for a position or register for job alerts on our Job Vacancies page and we'll be in contact if a new vacancy matches your preferences. 

Find out more about working at NIWA:

  • Our work

    We have an exciting range of career opportunities at NIWA in both the scientific and professional support areas.
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    Work-life balance

    We recognise that there's so much more to life than just work!
  • The process

    The process of coming to work with us has five steps: applying, a phone interview, a face to face interview, background checks, and an offer.
  • Careers - FAQs

    A list of some of the questions we get asked most frequently. If you don't see your question answered here, please get in touch.
  • Coming from overseas?

    If you're moving to join us here at NIWA, we want to say thanks for choosing us by helping you with your big move.