Senior Data Scientist

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

A city is a complex system where people and organizations interact and make decisions about land-use in a social, environmental, and economic context.  Auckland Council has a responsibility to prescribe land-use, provide infrastructure, and regulate certain activities for the benefit of all Aucklanders.  To support this, Auckland Council’s Strategist Unit is developing (in partnership with a vendor) an agent-based modelling system to model how the decisions that Auckland Council makes affects how the Auckland Region develops over time. 

The Strategist Unit is building its capability and capacity to build, enhance and maintain this land-use modelling system.  We are recruiting for one or more Senior Data Scientists to join the team. 

This is an opportunity to be part of the development of cutting-edge technology that will have a tangible impact on the future of Auckland, driving evidence-based decision-making and resource allocation.  

This is a critical role for the Council and will focus on the development of the land-use model over the next three years while gaining a code-level understanding of the system sufficient for the team to be able to operate, maintain and enhance the model after the three-year build-out period.  

You could expect to work on: 

• Prototyping data assets, data pipelines, statistical or economic models, or similar. 

• Conceptual designs for land-use model components. 

• Statistical or economic analysis in Statistics NZs microdata environment (IDI/LBD). 

• Translating business needs into technical requirements for the land-use model. 

• The operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and enhancement of the land-use model, and supporting the organization’s use of outputs.  

He kōrero mōu: About you 

This role requires experience in data science or quantitative research, ideally with some experience in software development. You will have experience in similar roles within large, complex, or political organisations, or in organizations that cater to large, complex or political organizations. 

We will be looking for specific experience with the key role requirements: 

• Knowledge and expertise in data science, coding in at least one of Python, R, or Julia, ideally in an Agile process with modern version control tools. 

• A Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, engineering science, computer science or similar discipline. 

• Either 8 years’ experience post-Bachelors, 5 years’ experience post-Masters, or 2 years’ experience post-PhD or equivalent 

• Knowledge and expertise in geo-spatial analysis. 

• Knowledge and expertise in quantitative analysis and modelling. 

We still encourage you to apply if you have some but not all these requirements. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city. 

We offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits and are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. This hybrid role provides the opportunity to balance remote work with in-office collaboration, fostering both individual productivity and strong team cohesion.

View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits HERE. 

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau.  

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now! 

Applications close: Sunday 27 July 2025 at 23:59

Remuneration range: $120 - 135k (negotiable based on experience) 
Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is in addition to the base salary offered.

Find a copy of the position description here: Senior Data Scientist

#workingforauckland #Hybrid

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.