Principal Digital Specialist - Solution Architect

Salary: $150,000 to $185,000

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Drive the Digital Architecture for New Zealand's Maritime and Geospatial Future

Ready for a challenge? Our hydrographic team in LINZ is on a 4-year journey to upgrade and replace legacy hydrographic systems. This project is key to New Zealand and the safety of people at sea. You will be working with and advising on large datasets, AWS deployments, SaaS software, AI and the development of new solutions. Hydrographic experience isn't essential, we are looking for an architect who brings strong technical expertise, can collaborate well, and a focus on delivering effective solutions. The technology and data landscape is unique, interesting and challenging, and the people are great. Interested? Then read on and apply if you are up for the challenge.

He pūkenga tou - Skills & Experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and be accountable for architecture in the application and data space for the Hydrography Team and Location Information.
• Collaborate with product owners and subject matter experts to develop robust application and cloud strategies.
• Design and execute migration plans for applications and data from legacy hosted services to AWS cloud infrastructure.
• Formulate long-term data management strategies to ensure interoperability and efficiency.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry leaders and international bodies to drive innovation and growth.
• Design and execute the architecture and migration strategy for the programme, starting with the AWS re-platform for legacy hosted core services.
• Analyse technology options and provide clear recommendations on the most suitable delivery approach, whether custom build, COTS, or SaaS.
• Design and build proofs-of-concept to test and validate technical approaches, reducing risk before major investment is committed.
• Work with senior leadership to develop a realistic technology roadmap aligned with broader Location Information strategy and goals.
• Provide coaching and guidance to delivery squads, drawing on hands-on experience with IaC, CI/CD and modern development practices.

Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior or principal level, with a focus on IT architecture and development and a data-centric systems approach.
• Extensive experience with AWS infrastructure, including the migration and operation of commercial solutions in cloud-based environments.
• Proven solution architecture experience spanning integration, security, data management, and operational domains.
• A strong interest in open-source technology and open data, with an appreciation of how these approaches can support innovation, interoperability, transparency, and reuse.
• Ability to balance technical rigour with pragmatic delivery across a multi-year horizon.
• Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organisational levels.

Knowledge of geospatial technologies and the maritime navigation domain would be preferred, but not essential.

The expected appointing range for this role is $150,000 to $185,000 depending on skills and experience.

Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau - What we offer our employees

• Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
• Wellbeing allowance reimbursement
• Ability to purchase additional leave
• Annual Flu Vaccinations
• Reduced Health Insurance Premiums
• Diverse groups and networks
• If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
• A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave

Te Tākinatanga - Our Story

Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations, now and for future generations.

Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan

Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.

Tono mai - How to Apply

If you're eyeing up this role and believe you've got what it takes, please apply, or get in touch with the team.

To apply, please click "Apply Online." You'll be taken through to our Toitū Te Whenua Careers Centre where you'll be able to review further information about the responsibilities and accountabilities of this role in the Position Description. You'll be able to complete your online application form and upload a copy of your CV/Cover Letter.

Please note, while applications close on Sunday 30 August 2026, we may be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

You may notice that the Position Description title for this role (Mātanga Matihiko / Digital Specialist - Level 4) doesn't match the advertised title. At Toitū Te Whenua we design our roles around shared capabilities (rather than focusing on tasks). This means our position descriptions are broad, one position description can cover many roles, this is known as Broad Based Role (BBR). Using BBR allows us to be responsive to our customers and to strengthen the connections across our organisation. It also gives us the flexibility to provide wider opportunities to our people, to further their careers.

If you have any questions about this role or working at Toitū Te Whenua, please email opportunities@linz.govt.nz and our People Services Team will be in touch with you.