Marine Mammal Observer

Help protect Aotearoa’s taonga species while contributing to one of New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure projects.

Based exclusively in Picton, this is a rare opportunity to play a crucial environmental role on a once‑in‑a‑generation project.

As a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), you will be the eyes and ears of marine protection on‑site. Your primary focus is to ensure our construction activities, especially piling operations, safeguard local marine mammals and align with best practice and resource consent requirements.

You’ll work closely with construction crews, environmental specialists, iwi partners, and regulatory agencies to ensure we continue delivering world‑class infrastructure while honouring our responsibilities to the environment.

Full training from a marine mammal specialist will be provided.

• Conducting systematic surveys and monitoring for marine mammals during construction activities.
• Identifying species, noting behaviours, and accurately recording data.
• Implementing and enforcing mitigation measures to protect marine mammals.
• Supporting project teams to follow marine protection protocols.
• Contributing to environmental management plans and reporting requirements.
• Staying across regional sightings, relevant research, and regulatory updates.
• Liaising with iwi partners, the Department of Conservation, councils, and port authorities.
• Championing health, safety, and environmental best practice on site.

• A genuine passion for ecology and environmental protection.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to collect and report accurate data.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working both independently and in a dynamic construction environment.

Candidates will ideally bring tertiary qualifications in ecology, zoology, environmental science or a related field, along with experience as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO). They should have knowledge of New Zealand marine mammal species and their habitats, and be familiar with marine mammal survey methodologies, whether visual or acoustic. An understanding of relevant environmental legislation is also highly desirable.

• Be part of a nationally significant, career‑defining project.
• Work at the beautiful gateway of the Marlborough Sounds.
• Make a meaningful impact by protecting our marine ecosystem.
• Join a supportive, safety‑focused, and environmentally conscious team.
• Full training provided — bring your passion, and we’ll back your growth.