• Monitor complex compliance investigations and incident response
• Make real environmental impact across Canterbury
• Work within our high performing Urban Compliance team

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 a Senior Compliance Officer, you’ll ensure resource users comply with environmental legislation, including the RMA and regional plan rules. You’ll lead monitoring, targeted education, in-depth investigations, and enforcement actions relating to highly complex activities. Expertise in earthworks or industrial sites is required

In this key frontline role, you’ll respond to community concerns, investigate issues, and ensure compliance with resource consents, the regional plan, and the Resource Management Act. Your work will make a tangible difference for people and the environment.

This role sits in our Urban Compliance team based at our Tuam St office in Christchurch and provides a mix of both office and field-based work around Christchurch and West Melton.

Key responsibilities:

• Be responsible for helping resource users comply with their resource consents
• You will focus on earthwork disturbances and new subdivision development and/or industrial site monitoring
• Attend sites and engage with landowners, contractors and the public
• Gather and record information accurately, using Council databases to identify high risk areas
• Analyse and assess plans and technical data
• Educate resource users on environmental rules and bylaws, providing clear, friendly guidance
• Take enforcement action when necessary, balancing empathy with clarity and transparency
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring customers are informed and supported
• Share your knowledge and mentor and train other compliance staff

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 compliance professional who brings sound environmental judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage complex issues with confidence. You build positive relationships, navigate challenging conversations, and provide clear, actionable guidance. You’ll be empathetic, accountable, adaptable and organised.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience   

You’ll hold a tertiary degree in a relevant field (Risk/Compliance Management, Environmental Science, Law, Biology, etc), or at least two years transferable experience, along with:

• Knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991
• Compliance monitoring experience
• Project management experience
• Positive and constructive issue-resolution skills
• Environmentally conscious and enjoy working outdoors
• A current full Driver’s Licence
• Strong customer service, communication, and conflict management skills
• Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, bylaws, and regulations
• Computer database and keyboarding skills

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 where 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