Kia ora! You might already be in a great role – But if you get a lift from connecting people with opportunity and making a people experience feel effortless, this could be even better.

The Opportunity

Earth Sciences New Zealand Te Whatu Ao was formed in 2025 by bringing GNS Science and NIWA together. We are New Zealand's home for oceans, freshwater, atmosphere, climate, energy and geological hazards science. We are a team that is 1100 strong, and this will grow to 1400 with MetService and the Measurement Standards Laboratory set to join us in 2027. Our work helps New Zealand anticipate risk, protect people and infrastructure, make the most of our natural resources, and grow our economy.

Here at the Avalon site we have an active social club and a fun community site-based culture. With quiz nights, monthly disaster movie showings with science experts, and daily onsite yoga and pilates – there are all sorts of activities and interest groups you can immerse yourself in.

The Opportunity

We are at an exciting time in our organisation as we integrate multiple legacy organisations and bring together teams, processes and systems to create Earth Sciences New Zealand.  Due to an internal promotion, we’re looking for a Recruitment Advisor who will bring energy, care and sharp attention to detail to the experience of our people.

This is a relationship role as much as a recruitment role. On an average morning, you might advise on strength-based interview questions, arrange reference checks, set up some interviews, have coffee and a laugh with the team and then prepare an offer or get a new employee ready for day one. You’ll also help improve our tools and processes as Earth Sciences New Zealand takes shape.

What you’ll do

• Partner with hiring managers and colleagues to understand workforce needs and agree practical recruitment plans, timelines and selection approaches.
• Guide leaders through sourcing, assessment and appointment, and constructively challenging assumptions when it will lead to a better outcome.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive and culturally responsive experience for candidates, from first contact through to offer and onboarding.
• Coordinate pre-employment checks, work with immigration for our overseas candidates, and prepare accurate offers, employment agreements and secondment documents, keeping people and approvals moving.
• Work with managers and internal teams to have access, equipment, induction, relocation and other start-up arrangements ready for new employees.

What you’ll bring

You’ll have experience in a people facing or HR-related role and be comfortable working alongside leaders and HR practitioners. You know how to balance a warm, responsive service with the accuracy and follow-through recruitment requires.

You’ll bring:

• The ability to partner with leaders, connect with different people and keep candidates and stakeholders well informed.
• Confidence to give practical advice, influence decisions and manage expectations with tact.
• Strong organisation skills, sound judgement and attention to detail, even when managing competing priorities and deadlines.

You’re also someone who is keen to have some fun at work and enjoy building relationships.

Experience with an applicant tracking system or HR information system, recruitment, or a relevant tertiary qualification would be helpful.

Why join us?

You’ll have room to contribute, keep learning and build relationships across an organisation doing work that matters. You’ll be supported by a generous, experienced HR team and have variety that reaches well beyond filling vacancies.

You’ll enjoy:

• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits, including free onsite parking, skin checks and life insurance
• Flexible working options, which we’re happy to discuss during the recruitment process
• Meaningful work alongside talented supportive colleagues who are passionate about what they do.
• A salary in the range of $70,000 to $100,000 depending on skills, experience and what you will bring to the role.

Bring your strengths

Talented people, particularly people who identify as neurodiverse or from under-represented communities, sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. Please don’t count yourself out. If this opportunity plays to your strengths, experience and interests, we’d love to hear from you. We value different perspectives and are committed to supporting the growth of the person we appoint.

View the full position description for this role here - https://www.gns.cri.nz/careers/.  Please contact people@earthsciences.nz with any questions or queries.

Apply now

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close on Tuesday, 17 November 2026