• Design and optimise scalable data platforms and pipelines
• Join a values-driven team protecting Canterbury’s environment
• Flexible work options and professional development support

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

As Senior Data Engineer, you’ll serve as our principal technical authority for enterprise-level data engineering, providing thought leadership and driving collaboration on reference architecture and data solution designs. You’ll lead strategic initiatives, optimise systems, and offer expert advice to senior leaders. Your expertise will enable scalable, secure, and efficient data solutions that advance organisational priorities and Ngāi Tahu partnership aspirations.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead development and implementation of key data initiatives. Design and maintain secure, scalable data pipelines and platforms
• Provide strategic advice on data investment and technology adoption
• Drive innovation through proof-of-concept initiatives
• Ensure compliance with governance, security, and regulatory frameworks
• Optimise data systems for scalability, security, and efficiency.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust and innovative data solutions.

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 data engineering leader with a passion for innovation and collaboration. You can translate complex technical concepts into actionable advice and thrive in a dynamic environment.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience   

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• 10+ years delivering data solutions and enterprise-level architecture
• Expertise in SQL, ETL, schema design, and cloud data platforms (e.g., Snowflake)
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead strategic initiatives
• Commitment to cultural capability and partnership with mana whenua

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

Applications close on Sunday 22 February 2026.  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 – Permanent full-time position - 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 $102,466 to $126,575 per annum depending on skills and experience. The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage. 

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can