Innovation Specialist

Fulltime – 40 hours per week

Tuesday - Saturday

Mā te pohewa mā te auaha hoki, ka whakapuaki ngā kura e huna ana.

Ready to spark creativity and innovation in your community?

We’re looking for an Innovation Specialist to help our community turn their ideas into reality, making technology accessible and fun for everyone. If you love experimenting, problem solving, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others, this could be your dream job in our brand new Library & Community Hub.

Te Tūranga | About the Role

Working in our new Innovation Station, our Innovation Specialist will empower our community to explore, experiment, and create, using a range of equipment and technologies. From 3D printers to laser cutters, vacuum formers to robots (and lots in between), you’ll be responsible for sharing these technologies with the community, enabling them to become confident, independent makers and creators.

Key responsibilities include:

· Designing and delivering hands-on creative technology programmes and events for all ages

· Creating resources and systems for DIY, self-paced use of our innovation space

· Teaching people how to use software and our range of creative technologies

· Keeping our technology in top shape with maintenance, updates, and operating SOPs

· Creating content for our interactive screens using our user-friendly software

Ngā Pukenga | What You’ll Need to Succeed

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

· A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience

· Excellent digital literacy across multiple platforms and technologies, with passion for continuous learning

· Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technology in simple, engaging ways

· Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure

· Ideally you will have previous experience working in a makerspace environment

Ō Tātou Wharepukapuka | About Tauranga City Libraries

Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga City Libraries is a vibrant, community-focused library network serving our Tauranga community. We have four libraries, Tauranga, Pāpāmoa, Greerton, and Mount Maunganui,

plus a mobile library service. In addition to a robust lending collection, our libraries are hubs for lifelong learning, cultural engagement, and digital inclusion. Our staff are passionate about delivering diverse programmes for all ages, supporting local heritage research, and providing access to both physical and digital resources. The development of the new central library at Te Manawataki o Te Pāpā is an exciting next chapter for us and the addition of spaces such as the new Innovation Station ensure it is a building fit for the future of Tauranga library services.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact Anna Hodson anna.hodson@tauranga.govt.nz

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

Applications will close: 18 January 2026 with successful applicant projected to start by in early April. The start date is flexible for the right candidate.

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities. If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz

· You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

· Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Innovation Specialist