• Champion best practice youth engagement within Environment Canterbury  

• Work with a passionate and experienced team of environmental educators  

• Support our Youth Rōpū to influence Council decision-making and the wider community 

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury 

Environment Canterbury is the Regional Council for the largest region in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to working in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.  

Our mahi/work focuses on the delivery of three core services to the Waitaha/Canterbury community: (Environmental Regulation and Protection; Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards; and Public Transport) and we are guided by our strategic pou of: 

• Putting the community and our customers at the heart of everything we do;  

• Growing our relationship with mana whenua into a true partnership;  

• Maturing our governance model and understanding of our political environment; 

• Removing pain for our people (and customers) by improving our systems and processes. 

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role 

The Senior Youth Engagement and Education Advisor will join our experienced Youth Engagement and Education Team to provide leadership in youth engagement practices across the organization, supporting rangatahi including our Youth Rōpū, and developing educational programmes that connect tamariki with Environment Canterbury’s work.   

This role provides a key focus on the development, support, and implementation of educational programmes, resources, initiatives, and events across the youth and education communities in the Canterbury region, aligning them with Environment Canterbury’s strategy so that the contents reflect mātauranga Māori and meet the needs of New Zealand’s curriculums.  

Sitting within our wider Communications and Engagement group, this role provides youth targeted content through Environment Canterbury’s communication channels including website, newsletters, and social media, and by supporting engagement initiatives. 

Based in our well-appointed central Christchurch offices, the role will require a flexible approach to attend hui - outside of office hours - working in with the availability of young people. 

Mōu │ About You 

You may already be working within the education or youth sector at secondary or tertiary level and will be a natural collaborator who engages with young people easily. You’ll have the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required to be a leader in youth engagement practices and your sharp commercial acumen will allow you to bring another lens to the role.  

Your experience working in the education sector, combined with a genuine interest in Environmental Education for Sustainability will enable you to be confident leading programme reviews and development. Additionally, you’ll be confident to lead hands-on EOTC sessions with rangatahi, run professional development for staff and at ease with attending Council committee meetings as needed.  

Your commitment to understanding and honouring tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi combined with experience of incorporating te Ao Māori perspectives would be highly valued. A tertiary qualification in a relevant field is a requirement of this role. 

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience     

• A tertiary degree in a relevant field, eg, education, environmental science or youth work is required.  

• A diploma/degree in teaching is an advantage. 

• Current class one driver’s licence is essential. 

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury   

We are privileged to be working with Ngā Papatipu Rūnanga, stakeholders, and our wider community.  

Our mahi is underpinned by our values of Kaitiakitanga/Stewardship, Pononga/Integrity, Manaakitanga/People First, Whanaungatanga/Collaboration, and Māiatanga/Can Do.  

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information  

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Ross Pringle 0278110150. 

Applications close on Sunday, 20 April.  Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.    

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.   

This role falls under the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014. Therefore, you will need to pass a Vulnerable Children's Act check and undergo Police vetting. 

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. 

Hours of work – Permanent full-time position
Location - Environment Canterbury Offices - 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch  

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can