Vessels Operations Assistant - Earth Sciences

Job / Position Specific Summary

Ever wonder how a research fleet stays on course while uncovering the secrets of the ocean? We’re looking for a Vessel Operations Assistant who thrives on taking ownership from initiation to completion while adapting requirements to changing priorities.

From assisting with vessel turnarounds, to ensuring our team have what they need in the middle of the Ross Sea, you’ll be part of our offshore missions’ pulse. If you’re proactive, and enjoy being part of a dedicated team in an environment that provides variety. “Let’s talk”

This position sits within the Research Vessels New Zealand a subsidiary of Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operational Support: Assisting with daily vessel operations, including stocktaking of consumables, preparation for port call, issuing of port call plans, (De)mobilisations, and supporting crew changes.
• Deck Stores Orders: Coordinate the purchase, collection, delivery of deck stores and specific voyage requirements for the vessels.
• Crew Protective Clothing and Uniform: Coordinate the procurement, issue and stock management of crew protective clothing and uniforms.
• Medical Supplies: Ordering, distribution new supplies, finalising, documenting and arranging disposal of expired items.
• Equipment Servicing: Provide administrative support for equipment maintenance, including arranging service appointments and processing incoming/outgoing repairs.
• Driving: Maintain a clean driving record to support regular delivery and pick up undertakings.
• General Administration: Filing and general administrative tasks.
• Other Duties: Carry out all reasonable work-related requests as required by the Senior Operations Team.

You’ll bring the following:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
• Sound experience with word, excel, and outlook
• Good written communication
• Must be able to regularly perform manual handling duties, including lifting, carrying, and manoeuvring loads, as well as navigating stairs, and gangways safely and frequently.
• Full and clean drivers licence
• Agility to manage in a change environment
• Experience in a similar role would be an advantage

What we offer

• Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits

About us

Research Vessels New Zealand (RVNZ) is a subsidiary of Earth Sciences New Zealand. RVNZ owns and operates a fleet of three research vessels out of Port Wellington that provide word-class environmental monitoring and research platforms. Our busy onshore team is based at Earth Sciences New Zealand Greta Point site in Wellington and provides full operational support to ensure all vessel, crew and voyage requirements are met.

Earth Sciences New Zealand is a new entity created from the merger of NIWA and GNS. We’re proud of our contribution to science and innovation in Aotearoa and you’ll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work has impact To deliver the science needed to achieve meaningful change, we are committed to providing the best for our people, strengthening domestic and international collaborations, partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, leveraging advanced technologies, and investing wisely in essential assets and infrastructure. We also uphold our environmental responsibilities and maintain a strong focus on financial sustainability, ensuring our work continues to make a lasting difference.

We don't expect perfection in our candidates - if you think you have what it takes, but don't meet every point in the position description, please still get in touch!

Apply now

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

Job Details

Crown research institute Earth Sciences

Reference # 60627

Posted on 19 May 2026

Closes on 14 Jun 2026 23:55

Location(s) Porirua, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Wellington, Central Wellington

Expertise Administrative Services, Business Management \& Support

Job level(s) Entry/graduate

Work type(s) Permanent

More details (document) Earth Sciences New Zealand - NIWA BU - Position Description Vessels Ops Assistant.pdf