• Support projects shaping Canterbury’s environmental and regulatory future
• Championing environmental stewardship & community wellbeing
• Develop strategies & plans that support a thriving, resilient Waitaha

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home. We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Rūnanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning. As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, and more.  

Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations. Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive. 

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We have two opportunities for experienced Project Managers to join our Strategy & Planning Directorate and help deliver key regional strategy, planning and partnership programmes.

These roles sit at the heart of our work to shape Canterbury’s regional wellbeing.

• 1 x Permanent Role – Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) and Regional Planning
• 1 x Fixed-Term Role (18 months) – Climate Partnerships and Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP)

Both roles will be instrumental in the delivery of complex, cross-agency projects that contribute to a more sustainable, resilient Waitaha. You’ll coordinate inputs from technical experts, mana whenua partners, and multiple teams to support the delivery of projects that connect environment, climate, and community outcomes.

You’ll be responsible for end-to-end project management across one or more of our key programmes, such as the Regional Pest Management Plan review, Regional Land Transport Plan review, and the implementation of the Canterbury Climate Action Plan.

You’ll drive project governance, engagement, and delivery in line with Environment Canterbury’s frameworks — ensuring milestones are met, risks are managed, and outcomes are achieved.

Key focus areas:

• Lead end-to-end project delivery using Environment Canterbury’s project management frameworks
• Collaborate with technical specialists, strategy advisors, and Rūnanga partners
• Drive clear reporting, effective engagement, and timely decision-making
• Champion best practice project management across teams

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You’re an experienced project manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects. You bring excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills, and thrive in collaborative environments. You’re passionate about continuous improvement and mentoring others.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience managing complex projects in regulatory, environmental, or planning contexts
• A qualification in project management (Prince2 or PMI Certification) or demonstrable experience in these areas
• Experience in Agile and Scrum methodologies
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders
• Strong background in project governance, risk management, and reporting
• A background in government or political environments, environmental planning, biosecurity, or similar is advantageous

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

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills. 

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about the permanent Project Manager Planning role, contact Lisa Jenkins on 027 549 7712

For a confidential chat about the fixed term Project Manager Climate Partnerships and Transport planning roles contact Morag Butler 027 310 1569 or Sam Bellamy 027 310 1569

Applications close on Sunday, 9 November.  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. 

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 – 40 hours per week. From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal work hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community. 

Location - This position is predominantly based at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch   
Salary - The indictive salary range for role is $87,491 to $108,078 per annum depending on skills and experience. The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can