Geospatial and Field Support Technician

• Have you got experience with collecting data using GPS, total stations, UAVs, or other field instruments?
• Can you communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences?
• Are you comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions, following safety protocols, and navigating using maps and GPS?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Geospatial and Field Support Technician to provide technical support for geospatial technologies (Geographic Information Science (GIS) and remote sensing (RS)) for research and teaching activities, particularly in the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Science (SGEES), but also to the wider University community. To work together with the Technician - Field Support to maintain the school’s field equipment and provide technical expertise, instruction and advice in the operation and use of equipment to both staff and students.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide advanced user support for geospatial software configuration and analysis, tailored to specific needs of academics, researchers, and students. Remain up to date with developments in geospatial technology and communicate these to ensure that users are aware of latest tools, trends, and their possibilities.
• Collaborate with other technical staff within the School, Faculty, and wider University to support research and teaching activities as appropriate.
• Troubleshoot and fix problems with geospatial software and other tools as required.
• Work with the Technician—Field Support to ensure field and lab equipment, including specialist instruments, are always maintained and ready for use and that adequate levels of training in the use of this equipment are provided to all users.
• Work with external providers to acquire, maintain, document, and update as necessary geospatial data resources.
• Support processing and analysis of datasets as appropriate, e.g., photogrammetry processing.
• Work closely with relevant teaching staff to support and inform geospatial and field teaching, including support in organising logistics and participation in both teaching and research field trips and field work.
• Maintain geospatial and related software and hardware installed in laboratory computers in the School and work with Digital Solutions to ensure that required software is available and licensed on campus computers.
• Curate and manage datasets necessary for use in teaching laboratories as required.
• Work with academic staff to specify suitable new equipment to support teaching and research (e.g., GPS and UAV/drone technologies) and assist with equipment purchases, as required.
• Directly support (i.e., through tutorials and laboratory supervision) teaching of and with geospatial software.
• Work with the Technician—Field Support to ensure that all relevant H&S Regulations and protocols are followed in field activities.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a motivated and customer-focused individual who can take the initiative.
• Provide excellent output with timely delivery to internal and external customers and students.
• Be self-motivated, responsible, and able to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Have an ability to learn new technologies and methods quickly.
• Be competent and comfortable working in face to face and a digital/online environment.
• Be keen to meet the needs of a range of diverse students and other stakeholders.

This role is busy, challenging, extremely rewarding and interesting for the individual with the right temperament.

Key requirements:

• Experience in Geographic Information Science, Remote Sensing, fieldwork support for Earth Science or a relevant field.
• Experience with collecting data using GPS, total stations, UAVs, or other field instruments.
• Proficient in geospatial software and tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms for data analysis, mapping, and visualization.
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions, following safety protocols, and navigating using maps and GPS.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences and support learning.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Capability to work autonomously as well as part of a team.

Role Description – Click here to see further information, including salary.

Close date for vacancy: 4 May 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Kosta Tashkoff ([email protected]).

About Us

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we’ve made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.