Job Description
About Earth Sciences NZ:
Earth Sciences NZ was established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA, with the
upcoming acquisition of MetService further strengthening its capabilities. Bringing together
multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technology, it will excel in earth, environmental, and natural
resources science across six core missions: Geological Hazards, Weather and Climate, Energy, Land
and Freshwater, Atmosphere and Climate, and Oceans.
This new entity forms part of the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and innovation
system in more than three decades, designed to create a more dynamic, collaborative, and impactful
science system. Following the acquisition of MetService, Earth Sciences NZ will comprise around 1,500
staff across 22 sites, with assets of approximately $400 million and annual revenues of $370 million,
including substantial commercial streams. This provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of
science delivery for Aotearoa New Zealand and position the organisation as a globally recognised leader
in its field. For more information, visit https://www.earthsciences.nz/.
The Role
Earth Sciences NZ is seeking a Team Leader – Science Communications & Media to provide strategic
leadership and operational oversight for our science communications and media activities. This is a key
role in shaping how Earth Sciences NZ communicates its science, engages with the media, and builds
public understanding of our work.
What You’ll Do
Lead and manage a high-performing Science Communications team.
Champion the integration of science missions within all communications, ensuring alignment
with organisational priorities and supporting integrated science outcomes.
Oversee the development and delivery of mission-aligned communications strategies, content
creation for multiple channels, and proactive media engagement.
Act as the primary point of contact for corporate-level media inquiries, building strong
relationships with journalists and media outlets.
Provide leadership to the duty team and oversee crisis communications during an event response fulfilling the role of Public Information Manager (PIM) as part of the 24/7 duty roster.
Ensure delivery of obligations for Geonet communications, education, and outreach.
Model and uphold best practice in science communication, stakeholder engagement, and
organisational values, including a commitment to safety, excellence, customer focus, agility,
teamwork, integrity, and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives.
What You’ll Bring
Tertiary qualification in communications or a related field, or equivalent senior-level experience.
7–10 years in science-related senior communications roles.
Proven leadership experience managing communications teams.
Demonstrated crisis and emergency communications experience, ideally including PIM duties
and working within coordinated incident response (e.g., CIMS or similar).
Strong background in communication strategies, media relations, and supporting events and
publications.
In-depth experience and knowledge of various communication and outreach channels,
including digital media and exhibitions.
Ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Familiarity with ESNZ stakeholders, including the environmental and local government sectors,
and comfort engaging with Māori partners and te reo Māori in corporate communications
contexts is desirable.
Apply now
If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Please forward your
application to the Earth Sciences NZ Integration Team (integration.team@earthsciences.nz).
Applications close: 1st February 2026
Job Details
Crown research institute
NIWA
Reference #
60003
Posted on
20 Feb 2026
Closes on
08 Mar 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Hutt Valley, Wellington, Central Wellington
Expertise
Editorial & Design, Graphic Design, Visual Production, Photography
Job level(s)
Management
Work type(s)
Permanent
More details (document)
team leader - science communications and media pd.pdf
Earth Sciences NZ was established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA, with the
upcoming acquisition of MetService further strengthening its capabilities. Bringing together
multidisciplinary expertise and advanced technology, it will excel in earth, environmental, and natural
resources science across six core missions: Geological Hazards, Weather and Climate, Energy, Land
and Freshwater, Atmosphere and Climate, and Oceans.
This new entity forms part of the most significant reform to New Zealand’s science and innovation
system in more than three decades, designed to create a more dynamic, collaborative, and impactful
science system. Following the acquisition of MetService, Earth Sciences NZ will comprise around 1,500
staff across 22 sites, with assets of approximately $400 million and annual revenues of $370 million,
including substantial commercial streams. This provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of
science delivery for Aotearoa New Zealand and position the organisation as a globally recognised leader
in its field. For more information, visit https://www.earthsciences.nz/.
The Role
Earth Sciences NZ is seeking a Team Leader – Science Communications & Media to provide strategic
leadership and operational oversight for our science communications and media activities. This is a key
role in shaping how Earth Sciences NZ communicates its science, engages with the media, and builds
public understanding of our work.
What You’ll Do
Lead and manage a high-performing Science Communications team.
Champion the integration of science missions within all communications, ensuring alignment
with organisational priorities and supporting integrated science outcomes.
Oversee the development and delivery of mission-aligned communications strategies, content
creation for multiple channels, and proactive media engagement.
Act as the primary point of contact for corporate-level media inquiries, building strong
relationships with journalists and media outlets.
Provide leadership to the duty team and oversee crisis communications during an event response fulfilling the role of Public Information Manager (PIM) as part of the 24/7 duty roster.
Ensure delivery of obligations for Geonet communications, education, and outreach.
Model and uphold best practice in science communication, stakeholder engagement, and
organisational values, including a commitment to safety, excellence, customer focus, agility,
teamwork, integrity, and respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori perspectives.
What You’ll Bring
Tertiary qualification in communications or a related field, or equivalent senior-level experience.
7–10 years in science-related senior communications roles.
Proven leadership experience managing communications teams.
Demonstrated crisis and emergency communications experience, ideally including PIM duties
and working within coordinated incident response (e.g., CIMS or similar).
Strong background in communication strategies, media relations, and supporting events and
publications.
In-depth experience and knowledge of various communication and outreach channels,
including digital media and exhibitions.
Ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Familiarity with ESNZ stakeholders, including the environmental and local government sectors,
and comfort engaging with Māori partners and te reo Māori in corporate communications
contexts is desirable.
Apply now
If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Please forward your
application to the Earth Sciences NZ Integration Team (integration.team@earthsciences.nz).
Applications close: 1st February 2026
Job Details
Crown research institute
NIWA
Reference #
60003
Posted on
20 Feb 2026
Closes on
08 Mar 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Hutt Valley, Wellington, Central Wellington
Expertise
Editorial & Design, Graphic Design, Visual Production, Photography
Job level(s)
Management
Work type(s)
Permanent
More details (document)
team leader - science communications and media pd.pdf
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Team Leader - Science, Communications & Media, GNS Science - NIWA position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Education Jobs is a plus.
