Science & Research Jobs in Hamilton, New Zealand (Now Hiring) — 13 open

At Hamilton City Council, you'll have the opportunity to do work that genuinely matters. Everything we do is focused on improving the wellbeing of Hamiltonians and helping unlock Hamilton's full potential, making it the best place to live. As one of New Zealand's fastest-growing cities, Hamilton provides unique opportunities to work on complex and meaningful challenges that directly influence the future of our communities.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

As Policy Analyst, you will support the delivery of growth funding and policy workstreams through high-quality research, analysis, reporting, and coordination support. You will work closely with Strategic Policy Advisors and Programme Managers, contributing to policy development, evidence-based advice, and wider programme priorities across the Growth Funding programme.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys working with information, identifying insights, and turning complex material into clear, useful outputs that support decision-making. It also provides exposure to complex policy, economic, infrastructure funding, and urban growth matters.

In this role, you will:

• Provide analytical and research support to economic and policy workstreams. 
• Support policy projects and outputs, including reports, briefings, and supporting material.
• Gather, structure, and interpret evidence to support policy recommendations.
• Contribute to growth and economic reporting. 
• Support broader Growth Funding programme activities, including coordination, documentation, and responding to information requests.
• Build strong working relationships across the team and wider organisation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, team initiatives, and a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification in economics, public policy, law, planning, or a related field. 
• At least three years’ relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and research skills. 
• Good written communication skills and the ability to summarise information clearly. 
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines. 
• A willingness to learn, develop, and contribute to a flexible team environment.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $80 - $90K dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 19/08/2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.