Employment prospects for qualified geophysicists are excellent, because the number of people working as geophysicists in New Zealand has been falling. This decrease has produced skills shortages across the earth and physical sciences industry in New Zealand.
Number of geophysicists working in New Zealand
(1996, 2001, 2006)| Census | Number of geophysicists |
|---|
| 1996 | 246 |
| 2001 | 240 |
| 2006 | 189 |
| Source: Department of Labour, Jobs and Tertiary Education Indicator Tool. |
Government initiatives adding to demand for geophysicists
Funding for research and development in New Zealand is on the rise. Since 2003, government investment in scientific research and development has risen by 33% to $658 million, which means more projects are being funded and more geophysicists are needed.
The New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development has been actively encouraging further exploration of oil and gas fields, and geophysicists are in high demand throughout this industry.
Sustainability push also boosting opportunities for geophysicists
Sustainability and the need for better environmental management is driving strong demand for geophysicists. Universities have brought in extra courses specialising in the effects of climate change, land degradation, emissions trading schemes and food security to produce more earth science graduates.
Many baby-boomer (people born between 1945 and 1965) geophysicists are beginning to retire and this is creating more opportunities for graduates.
Most geophysicists in New Zealand work for Crown research institutes such as:
- GNS Science
- the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
- Landcare Research
- the Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd (ESR).
Geophysicists can also work for:
- local authorities such as regional and city councils
- state-owned enterprises such as the MetService or Meridian Energy
- consultancies and private companies, including engineering firms like Opus International, and mining and drilling companies like Shell Petroleum Mining NZ
- universities.
Geophysicists work and conduct their research all over New Zealand, and where they work can depend on what type of geophysics they specialise in.
Most geophysicists work in Auckland, Otago, Canterbury and Wellington because this is where the main Crown research institutes and universities are based.
