• Inform, shape and lead Canterbury’s regional biosecurity programme
• Influence nationally and regionally significant biosecurity decisions
• Flexible location - Christchurch or Timaru

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

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

As Principal Biosecurity Advisor, you will provide expert strategic and technical leadership for biosecurity across Canterbury. This is a high-impact role where your expertise will influence regional delivery, national conversations, and long-term environmental outcomes.

You will act as one of Environment Canterbury’s principal sources of biosecurity advice, leading programme assurance, overseeing compliance with the Biosecurity Act, and supporting readiness and response to emerging biosecurity risks. You will also represent the organisation in national and inter-regional forums.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and delivery of the Canterbury Biosecurity Work Programme
• Providing expert technical and legislative advice to senior leaders and governance
• Ensuring statutory obligations under the Biosecurity Act are met
• Representing Environment Canterbury in sector and media settings as required
• Supporting preparedness and response to biosecurity incursions

For full details, please refer to the job description at the attached to this advert.

Mōu │ About You

You’re a highly experienced biosecurity professional with strong strategic judgement and the credibility to operate at a principal level. You enjoy working in complex environments, translating science and legislation into practical, actionable advice, and building trusted relationships across sectors.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

• Extensive experience in biosecurity, pest management, or environmental management
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand’s biosecurity and regulatory landscape
• Proven leadership of complex programmes and teams
• Confidence engaging with iwi, central government, councils, industry and communities
• A collaborative, values‑led leadership style aligned with public service
• While not essential, experience in a marine and/or freshwater biosecurity pathway management would be desirable

You understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to strengthening partnerships with Ngāi Tahu and supporting Ngāi Tahu aspirations across Canterbury.

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 Shaun Burkett, Team Leader Biodiversity and Biosecurity Regional, on 027 6476150.

Applications close on Sunday 31 May 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.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can