• Supervise construction and maintenance projects
• Join a values-driven regional council
• Enjoy a role with leadership and community impact

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

As an Area Supervisor working closely with the Area Engineer, you will coordinate operational staff and contractors responsible for the construction and maintenance of river control and drainage assets. You will ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with health and safety requirements and environmental regulations, while monitoring project costs and supporting effective emergency response operations. Building and maintaining constructive relationships with contractors, landowners, and iwi will be an essential aspect of the role. This position requires a practical leadership approach, with a strong focus on coaching, capability development, and fostering a high‑performing and engaged team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Organise and supervise river control and drainage works
• Manage budgets, cost control, and performance records
• Lead staff emergency responses during floods and natural events
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and mana whenua

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

Mōu │ About You

You have leadership experience, a solid foundation in civil construction, and a genuine interest in caring for the environment.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

• Proven experience managing teams and contractors
• Knowledge of health and safety legislation for field operations
• Civil engineering construction practice, particularly river and drainage works and cost control expertise
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and use MS Office
• A full Class 1 driver’s licence

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 this role, please contact Sam Kidner, Area Engineer- South, phone 0800 324 646

Applications close on 8 March.  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.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can