Salient: Victoria University Students' Paper. Vol. 29, No. 6. 1966.
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Science In The Public Service
In New Zealand more scientists work for the Public Service than for any other organisation. Fourteen departments employ more than 800 science graduates and each year the Public Service has to recruit over 100 scientists. The scope of its scientific activities means that the Public Service offers science graduates first-class career prospects and unequalled opportunities and challenges, including many projects not being studied by other research groups.
Careers for science graduates ore divided into two main classes; research and servicing. Although scientists in the Public Service mostly work on applied research, opportunities for pure research are unequalled in New Zealand and in some fields, up to overseas standards. Some of the most challenging problems arise in practical research, which is also worthwhile because its results directly benefit the community.
Scientists doing servicing work use their qualifications in such vital roles as weather forecasting and patent examining The servicing scientists abilities and training are vital to the modern community. because they supply services that laymen cannot give.
In addition some graduates choose to go into Public Service administration, where their trained minds prove invaluable in the intricate and demanding task of managing some of New Zealand's largest enterprises.
In the Public Service the importance of the scientist is fully realised, He is not just a "back-room" boy but an essential member of the organisation. This is retlected in the D.S.I.R., for instance. where all important executives are scientists, and in the State Services Commission (which is responsible for efficiency and economy in the Public service) where one of the Commissioners is a sclentist.
An Important Choice
A science graduate choosing an employer faces one of his most important research assignments. There is more at stake for a prospective scientist than for most people because his first choice may well determine the direction and success of his life's work. Science is a calling not just a job. Education for it represents a considerable investment in time, money and energy, which must pay dividends in achievement and satisfaction. To make such an important choice the prospective scientist must have all the facts about employment opportunities and he must use them to make a sound and informed decision. To help readers give working for New Zealand's largest scientific institutions the consideration it deserves, the State Services Commission outlines on this page the facts about science in the Public Service.
This article summarises the principal scientific activities of the Public Service.
D.S.I.R.: The largest scientific organisation in New Zealand, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, employs 500 scienoists. Its research activities are conducted in 23 divisions.
The Animal Ecology Division at Lower Hutt assesses the economic value of native and introduced mammals and birds, and investigates then control or preservation.
The Antarctic Division coordinates research at Scott Base which includes studying aurora and air-glow, geomagnetism, the ionosphere, meteorology and seismology.
The Applied Mathematics Division (Wellington) provides a research and advisory service in branches of applied mathematics of value to New Zealand's economy.
The Industrial Development Division (Auckland) has four functions: (1) to provide a research service for industry; (2) to promote research and advances in technology and their application to industry; (3) to ensure industry's scientific and engineering problems are efficiently investigated: and (4) to act as a source of technical advice and information for industry, the armed services, local bodies and government departments.
The Botany Division (Christchurch) covers all general aspects of plant life except the strictly economic.
The Chemistry Division (Lower Hutt), until 1964 the Dominion Laboratory, also has laboratories at Auckland. Christchurch and Dunedin. Activities include long-term research; acting as a central laboratory for chemical, metallurgical and chemical engineering needs of government departments; and helping to raise the efficiency of industry. The technical work of the division is divided into four sections: (1) Pesticides, foods and drugs; (2) Metallurgy, chemical engineering, coal: (3) Inorganic chemistry, and cement and concrete: (4) Paint and petroleum, physical chemistry, and organic chemistry.
The Crop Research Division at Lincoln (Christchurch) investigates improvement of field and vegetable crops. There is a hop research station at Motueka and a tobacco research station at Riwaka.
The Entomology Division (Nelson) investigates, characterises and classifies insects.
The Food Chemistry Division (Wellington' conducts research on the fundamental nature of foods.
The Geological Survey (Lower Hutt) has accumulated a vast store of knowledge about New Zealand's geology and mineral resources.
The Geophysics Division (Wellington' includes the Apia observatory, where earthquakes and variations in magnetic elements are recorded and interpreted, and physical oceanographlc data is recorded; the ionospheric geophysical 1aboratory at Christchurch; the geophysics laboratory. Lower Hutt; the gcothcrmal laboratory. Taupo; Time Service. Wellington; magnetic survey. Christchurch: and the selsmological observatory, Wellington.
The Grasslands Division (Palmerston North' is primarily concerned with breeding of pasture species, nucleus seed production and certification: ecology; and soil fertility.
The Institute of Nuclear Sciences (Lower Hult) measures radio-active fallout and carries out carbon-14 dating. A radiation source is used to irradiate seeds and plants for crop improvement; to sterilise soil and plastics; and to try to improve the cool-storage keening properties of apples.
The Oeeanographic Institute (Wellington) investigates ohyslcal. geological and biological aspects of the oceans around New Zealand.
The Physics and Engineering Laboratory (Lower Hutt) covers many activities, ranging from maintaining primary electrical and radio standards to fundamental investigations into the physics of plant growth.
At the Plant Chemistry Division (Palmerston North) studies are made of the chemistry, nutrition and metabolism of plants. The influence of climate on crop yields is studied at the Plant Physiology Division, also at Palmerston North.
The Plant Diseases Division and the Fruit Research Division at Auckland assist farmers. fruitgrowers, nurserymen and gardeners to produce healthy crops and plant products.
At the Soil Bureau (Lower Hum New Zealand and some Pacific island soils are studied.
Eleven research organisations are jointly financed by the Government and the industry concerned. with their own laboratories and staffs. They deal with meat, fertiliser, leather, pottery. laundry, dairy, wool (two), wheat, tobacco and hops.
Department Of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture employs over 150 science graduates on research into problems of soil, animal production. or livestock health, and on servicing or advisory work.
In the Animal Health Division graduates in veterinary science work on research into disease control and problems, and prevention of the entry of exotic diseases. Others are advisory officers.
Graduates in science, veterinary science, or agriculture, are employed in the Research Division, "where most of the department's research work is carried out. Many projects are providing vital Information for farmers on the influence of breeding, feeding and management on milk production, growth and reproduction. Animal health and diseases are also studied.
In the Dairy Division graduates in science are employed as chemists.
Graduates in science and agriculture work in the Farm Advisory Division, which advises farmers on the management of soils, crops, and pastures, and on sheep and wool production, and carries out experimental work on its own farms and research stations.
Research in vegetables, berry fruits, the culture and diseases of vines, and on wine, is carried out in the Horticultural Division by graduates in horticulture and 'science. Graduates also serve as advisory officers.
In the Meat Division graduates in veterinary [science help to carry out the department's responsibilities for meat inspection and hygiene.
Further Information
These articles only outline the facts about Science in the Public Service. If you are interested in a career in one of the departments mentioned you should get in touch with the offices of the State Services Commission in Auckland, Hamilton. Wellington and Christchurch. the Commission's representatives in other towns, or the staff clerks of the departments concerned. Further information can then be supplied, questions answered, and interviews and visits arranged. So far you may not have seriously thought about working in the Public Service. Don't risk missing the chance to give full consideration to the scope and advantages of working for New Zealand's most important scientific institutions.
Forest Service
Scientific research is a major reason for the forest industry's success as a revenue earner.
The New Zealand Forest Service employs 44 scientists at the Forest Research Institute. Rotorua, and 15 at the Forest and Range Experiment Station, North Canterbury.
Research projects being carried out by the Forest Research Institute involve such questions as the strength and properties of New Zealand timbers, silvicultural practices, seasoning, and treating wood with preservatives. Others are concerned with growth, forest soils, nursery techniques, tree genetics, the rehabilitation of cut-over forests, tree nutrition and health, and controlling disease-causing organisms.
The Forest and Range Experiment. Station surveys watershed conditions, studies afforestation on mountain lands and alpine grasslands, and carries out noxious animal research.
Meteorology
The New Zealand Meteorological Service offers opportunity to participate in research and development in the atmospheric sciences. Graduates are also employed in forecasting.
Subjects of research include satellite meteorology, radar meteorology, mlcrometeorology and ozone studies. In satellite meteorology, for instance, photographic and infra-red radiation observations from meteorological satellites are used to investigate the structure of weather systems and study the heat balance of the earthatmosphere system.
Post-graduate study in meteorology is encouraged and opportunity is given for overseas study under the sponsorship of the Meteorological Service.
Navy
The Naval Research Laboratory at Auckland specialises in research of value to defence. It employs several scientific officers.
Marine Department
Scientists in the Marine Department work on fisheries; research and management. Expansion in both tasks is creating particularly good opportunities for scientists ranging from biometrlcians to zoologists.
Marine fisheries research is mostly devoted to long-term projects with commercial applications, such as investigating the snapper population in Hauraki Gulf, the biology of the New Zealand crayfishes, the biology of the Poveaux Strait oysters, etc.
Freshwater fisheries research contributes to the success of trout fishing, one of the finest recreations. It includes basic research on rainbow trout in five of the Rotorua lakes, and on the species and distribution of whitebait; and the study of the effects of DDT on flsh and other stream life.
In the Health Department scientific officers work at the National Health Institute, Wellington, and the National Radiation Laboratory. Chrlstchurch. In the former research is done in bacteriology and virology. The task of the Radiation Laboratory is detection and elimination of radiation hazards and standardisation and calibration of radiation sources.
Wildlife biologists work in the Department of Internal Affairs. One subject they are investigating is the hazard of birds at airports.
In the Justice Department science graduates are employed in examining patent applications and other duties.
They are trained in patent law and practice.
Science graduates are employed in the Transport Department on study and, research into traffic engineering.
Besides its very important elements of challenge and variety and opportunities for working on projects unique in New Zealand, a scientific career in the Public Service offers many material advantages. These can be summed up as good salaries, good prospects and good conditions.
Salaries
Commencing salaries are as follows:
Degree | Salary £ 1005 |
B.Ag. | 1005 |
B.Ag.Sc. | 1105 |
M.Ag.Sc. | 1160 |
M.Ag.Sc. with 2nd class honours | 1265 |
M.Ag.Sc. with 1st class honours | 1315 |
B.Sc. | 1005 |
B.Sc with 3rd class honours | 1065 |
B.Sc. with 2nd class honours | 1160 |
B.Sc. with 1st class honours | 1265 |
M.Sc. | 1065 |
M.Sc with 2nd class honours | 1160 |
M.Sc with 1st class honours | 1265 |
B.Vet.Sc. | 1315 |
Note: The above mentioned salaries are subject to an increase under the recent Ruling Rates Survey. At the time of going to print the actual amount of increase is not known.
Higher rates are paid for a Masters degree requiring two years' postgraduate study, following a Bachelor's degree with honours, or gained with distinction. Commencing salaries for holders of doctorates are substantially higher again.
Promotion
Promotion is on merit and ability and is decided by other scientists, not by laymen. Able scientists in their thirties earn well over £2000 a year. Some in their mid-forties earn £3000 or more.
Public servants work a fiveday 38-hour week, and receive two weeks' annual leave, until they reach the salary of £1210. or have five years' service. Then they are allowed three weeks' leave. In addition, all statutory holidays, a special day's recreational leave, and two special holidays following Christmas and New Year are granted. An officer retiring with 40 years' service receives six months' leave on full pay. A scientist may be allowed to anticipate part of this leave halfway through his career for overseas travel. Provision is also made for scientists to travel overseas on pay to study recent developments.
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Some Public Service scientific institutions use equipment that is unique in New Zealand. An example is this Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer of the D.I.S.R., which records and deduces high-resolution proton structures of organic molecules. The nuclear resonance of fluorine, phosphorus, boron, and carbon-13, can also be studied, permitting investigation of a variety of organic and inorganic compounds.
Generous sick leave on full pay is granted.
The Public Service's superannuation scheme is one of the most liberal. It is compulsory for those Joining the Service between the ages of 17 and 25. An employee joining the scheme before the age of 30 pays five per cent of his income. This contribution is free of income tax. On retiring after 40 years of contributing to the superannuation scheme he receives an income for life equivalent to about two-thirds of his salary for the last five years.