• Use your experience in CDEM leadership
• Lead and coordinate the activity of your operational team members
• Provide sound emergency management advice internally and externally

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

This is a leadership role within the Regional Office of the Canterbury CDEM Group. You will provide direction and the day-to-day support to the Region’s Operational Emergency Management Advisors and other staff. Working closely with the Group Manager and the regional leadership team, you will provide direction and support to Emergency Management Advisors in the nine council’s and partner agencies that make up the Canterbury CDEM Group.

You will support the Group Manager in performing their duties and will be expected to contribute to National emergency management projects.

During an emergency, when the CDEM Group’s Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) is activated, you will have a leadership role in coordinating emergency support across the region. You will be appointed as, or work towards, being an alternate Group Controller, which will include being on a duty roster.

This is a key role in increasing the resilience of Canterbury communities prior to, during and after emergencies. The role is based in the Justice and Emergency Services Precinct in Christchurch where you will have opportunity to collaborate with local, regional, and national level emergency managers.

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

Mōu | About You    

You’ll have emergency management and people leadership experience, along with a good working knowledge of the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS), CDEM legislation and an understanding of the Canterbury CDEM Group Plan. Ideally, you will have an emergency management qualification.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

To ensure your success, you will need:

• Proven people leadership and the ability to drive high performance.
• The ability to translate strategic objectives into operational work plans and projects.
• The ability to develop and maintain strong and collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in managing the operational delivery of projects and services, including problem solving and managing change, when required.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare, critically review, and communicate operational plans.

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

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on 14 June 2026 and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement 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