[Stefan T.]

Hi everybody - and many thanks for this website and to all contributors. I have been browsing these pages for quite a while and found a lot of useful stuff.

My wife, 16 months old daughter Sophie Maris and I just received our invitation to apply for residence, and now the really hard part seems to begin. I have no illusions about New Zealand being a dream country - I used to live and work in Hawaii, and when you have to survive in a place, it turns out that the struggle is the same everywhere. But the surroundings are nice..:)

Our reason for going to NZ is that I am a field Geographer / environmental expert with climate and ocean focus and a passion for concrete hands on conservation work and research (e.g. practical protected area management and monitoring, but also planning, impact assessment etc. with Geo information systems knowledge, and quite a bit of experience in a wide variety of projects and functions (difficult to prove for a freelancer!). I also wrote and published a few books, among other endeavours. I also have Ph.D. level training in Astronomy and Astrophysics, worked on atmospheric modelling, evolution and long term stability of planetary atmospheres, interstellar remote sensing and the like.

At first glance it seems that there are far more opportunities in the environmental sector than in Europe, but I would much appreciate any experience from (or about) environmental scientists, ecologists, geographers, environmental managers, marine scientists and similar folks on all levels. I am especially interested if there is any problem to get into a so-called "lower level" position like the mentioned protected area management and similar functions. I am not made to sit behind a computer - in fact I think I will die a young death if I am forced to continue this entirely computerized lifestyle. Money isn't everything. In fact it is closer to nothing than to anything.

Well - I digress. Anything anyone can tell me will be most appreciated. Another problem I, being a generalist, have is that most positions in Europe and the US demand a level of specialization that I consider somewhat inhumane.

[tigerlily]

I'd like to say welcome to all three of you! Sorry that I don't know the particular answers to your questions.

Sounds like working for the NZ government might be a path you could explore. Something like this
http://www.jobs.govt.nz/jobs/viewjob.aspx?OpportunityID=23964
might be interesting to you.

Where are you now and when do you plan to go?

[selchie]

Here are some links I found a while ago. I haven't checked them thoroughly to see if they apply for your situation, but hopefully they will be useful. Both my OH and I are geologists with experience in various environmental aspects, so we are in a similar boat. Good luck.

http://www.kiwicareers.govt.nz/industry/i6_sci/i6c_env.htm
http://www.doc.govt.nz/About-DOC/
http://www.nzieh.org.nz/html/envprot/envprot.html

[Stefan T.]

Hi Tigerlilly and Selchie,

thanks for the links and info - I also think it is best to regularly browse the regional councils and the DOC job offerings. Government is definitely a pathway, if getting rich is not the main concern - which it isn't in our case. I am thinking about either the environmental/resource planning pathway with a regional council or the practical conservation pathway with the DOC (basically a ranger or conservation officer type position), since I have a lot of field work experience. That is what I studied Geography/environmental sciences for in the first place.

But the question remains... hoe easy or hard is it tog et into the NZ environmental sector. Quite anturally there is a lot to learn for every foreigner, no matter what the qualification is: local legislation (e.g. Resource Management act and local government act), local FLora and Fauna (arguably among the most peculiar in the world) etc. Fortunately the marine critters are not THAT strange and much of my Pacific experience will be of some value here...

Currently we are still in Germany, I am working as a science writer aas well as environmental consultant on a variety of projects, lately mainly renewable energy based freshwater supply for developing countries. My wife is a freelance florist, so to say.

Cheers

Stefan

[tigerlily]

What about a post-doc?
http://jobs.massey.ac.nz/positiondetail.asp?p=3608

[Stefan T.]

Hi Lilly,

thanks again... I think I am a bit too old, though (will turn 38 in November) to return to the academic world. It also has a bit to do with the Peter Principle: I'd like to stay on a lower and more practical/applied level. I am better in it and enjoy it more, mainly because the roles are much more diverse than highly specialized research positions. I was in contact with the Department of Conservation, and they told me they see no problem for me to apply, as long as my background is right for the job. Quote: "Should you be selected for interview, we can address the immigration issues then." I could not even in my wildest dreams imagine that a German public officer would display such relaxed nonchalance when facing an application from the other side of the globe.

What we are struggling a bit is the fact that our little Sophie Maris will get a brother or sister next year, and on the financial side the numbers are a bit disturbing: the first two years after birth here in Germany one gets 450 Euro per month, followed by 150 Euro per month until at least age 18. All in all if we'd leave for good in a year from now, we'd loose about 70 thousand Euro in German child benefits (they are independent from income, by the way - everyone gets them). That's around three complete NZ annual incomes - basically it is the college education for two children.

Oh my - lots of things to consider.

[tigerlily]

The financials seem to be the stumbling block for everyone here. Perhaps something with a limited term, so you could go and give it a try and return to Germany if NZ was not where you wanted to be.

PS. I don't think you are too old for anything! My husband will complete is PH.D. just after he turns 35, next year. He is hoping to get a lecturer position thereafter.

[ruthyroo]

hello there

Just to add what I can. I am currently working as a policy / resource management planner here in NZ, having come from a very different background in the UK (academic / rural development).

You mentioned an interest in resource management / planning type jobs. Certainly NZ is very short of planners (though not enough for it to be on the POL), especially in the cities, and as a result local / regional councils will indeed consider applications from people who do not have a planning degree / background (like me). I am generalising very broadly here but if you are interested in pursuing the scientific side of your work, then the regional councils will give you more scope for employment - their responsibilities are broadly the management of air, water, land etc and a major part of their task is to develop the necessary environmental information and data in order to do that - so they employ a lot of environmental scientists, geologists, hydrologists, etc. Local councils, OTOH, tend to be more narrowly focused on the processing of resource consents, resource management planning and the local adminstration of the RMA - and they tend to employ multi-purpose planners (either to work on policy development or more hands on resource consent / management).

DOC are indeed responsible for the management of conservation lands, and for recreation. They too seem to advertise frequently for staff. They have a reputation - which you are no doubt familiar with - of paying peanuts for salaries - you do it for the love of the environment apparently... But certainly you would have the opportunity to be hands on and live in a beautiful part of the world.

There is a central government jobs website at http://www.jobs.govt.nz/ where they are all listed.

The other alternative is consultancy work - and there is a helluva lot of this in NZ. The major resource management consultancies include Opus, Harrison Grierson, Sigma. They pay more than government work, but expect a bit more from you in terms of hours / committment etc.

Overall, I would agree that there is less competition for environmental jobs here in NZ (less people) but also less opportunities for advancement and lower wages. Like you I have opted for a lifestyle rather than career oriented choice - but I don't think anyone comes to NZ to seriously advance their career...

[Stefan T.]

Hey Ruthyroo,

thank you so much for your input! I am not joking when I say I want to do it for the love of the job, and my family goes along with that ( my wife is an horticulturist). I also have some ongoing royalties from books etc. that help a bit with the income.

My assessment of the job market was similar to what you say, but it is very good to hear from an insider that I am not entirely fishing in the darkness. I think I will broadly apply with regional councils and private consultancies (I myself am a private consultant right now - see www.mindquest.info) but I am also applying with the DOC for ranger/conservation officer type positions, which I think give a lot of exposure to the practical side of NZ conservation and planning work including application of the resource management act, local government act etc. But to be honest a ranger position with a marine protected area/conservation biology focus is my main goal for the moment. I don't mind a humble beginning.

In which region are you working?

Thanks a lot again!

And thanks also to TIGERLILLY again. No - I also do not really feel that old - it only is that I went through many things and would like to stay with what I am doing - in the widest sense. Of course some parttime lecturing always is in the picture, though. The financial issue is dominating the world - I don't care too much as long as we get along, but somehow we must take care THAT we get along.

I am really happy that I discovered this Forum!
:cheers

[Going2NZ]

Does this help? It seems related to me but I could be wrong. I saw a posting for "field geologist" vacancies in Greymouth and Westport. The company is Solid Energy at www.coalnz.com. Contact information is Debra Hatton in Chch at 03 345 6094.

Susan

[Stefan T.]

Hello all,

a little new experience... one reason to head for NZ is the idea that it may be a more straight forward and less bureaucratic place than Germany (Germany is really BAD in this respect - believe me!). But I more and more begin to doubt if NZ really is as straight forward and pragmatic as I had always perceived it.

1) I asked the immigration service if while the PR application is pending I could already apply for jobs. Here is the answer:

"You are able to apply for jobs while you wait for your residency application. It is not limited to the area of skill shortage listed in your EOI but should be relevant to your qualifications and experience."

2) Before applying, I had inquired with the DOC, from where I got the following statement:

"I see no reason for you not to apply. Should you be selected for interview, we can address the immigration issues then."

3) I applied for an advertised position with a regional DOC office, and got this response:

"Dear Stefan
Thank you for your application for the above position. I am unable to consider your application as, to work in a permanent position with the NZ Government, you must be either a NZ Citizen or Permanent Resident."

That in itself is acceptable, but somehow it is a contradiction to the immigration services encouragement to get an employment offer prior to immigration and obviously it contradicts the previous information I was given.

So - I am scratching my head a bit here. I applied for several similar positions, and all were turned down. New Zealand officials hence gave me quite a bit of unnecessary extra work here.

:(

[tigerlily]

That's really frustrating. Must be something about the government, because it seems that private employers aren't so black and white about it.

[ruthyroo]

Stefan, that must be frustrating for you. You are right to not assume that NZ is any less bureacratic than anywhere else in the world! As far as I can tell the attitude towards accepting applications from people who do not currently have the correct visa varies from office to office. Here in Rotorua for example, I was given an interview / offer on the basis that my husband would get a visa easily (he is a teacher) and I would get an Open WP as a result. They just took my word for it and it was up to me to keep them informed and actually get the visa etc. We also have another staff member coming from the UK - and he is still waiting for his PR to be sorted out before he can take up the job. However, I do know of other employers who would not be willing to take a chance that it might not work out with immigration - I guess planners are in such shortage that people jump on a good candidate when they see them.

My advice would be to continue applying - you never know until you do whether the person you are applying to is willing to take a chance - and just explain your situation, and give them your earliest possible start date assuming that your PR application is straightforward.

[ruthyroo]

I should have said, I am currently in Rotorua, but am moving to Dunedin in about a fortnight to work as a reserves / coastal manager / planner. So if you are looking for a policy planner's job in Rotorua you might be lucky!

[Singel]

NZ Herald
14 November 2005

The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd (GNS) is a Crown Research Institute (CRI) owned by the New Zealand Government and is New Zealand's largest geological science organisation. It provides geological and geophysical research and consultancy services to Government and industry within New Zealand and overseas.

After the Earth has moved.............

The Geohazards Solution Section currently has three vacancies involved in assisting with and/or conducting research programmes and commercial projects. You will need an ME, MSc or PhD to be successful in these roles.

Engineering Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer
You will be investigating rock and soil mass properties, landslide movement mechanisms and assessing earthquake hazards. You will also be expected to facilitate knowledge transfer into the community and participate in operationa activities and emergency response.

Earthquake Engineer
You will be conducting scientific research into the behaviour of the built environment when subjected to extreme natural events, taking into account regional variations, and contributing to the ability to reduce and mitigate the impact and recovery of such events.

Hazards Impact Modelling Engineer
You will be conducting scientific research into the economic, social and engineering impacts and consequences of natural hazards on the built environment.

If you are an enthusiastic, customer oriented, team player with a "can do" attitude and you are passionate about earth sciences, then this could be opportunity you have been waiting for.

Further information on GNS, these positions and an application form can be obtained from our website or by phoning Joy Prince on 0064 4 570 4609. Please forward a covering letter, CV and completed application form to :

Human Resources
Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences
PO Box 30 368
Lower Hutt
or email careers@gns.cri.nz
Closing date: 2 December 2005
www.gns.cri.nz

[Stefan T.]

Hi everyone,

thanks again for the valuable input. I have been in touch with private consulting companies, and there seems to be less of a problem - in fact they don't really care about immigration issues.

We will see... there are other problems coming up that need to be solved first.

Cheers

Stefan