• Collaborate with technical experts and share knowledge across the team
• Collect trusted water quality data for a diverse range of programmes
• 12 months Fixed Term | Inter-organisational secondment possibilities  

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.

• 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 Christchurch-based opportunity for a period of 12 months covering staff leave. We welcome applications from candidates seeking a fixed-term position, as well as candidates (including those from partner organisations) interested in secondment opportunities.

As a Senior Environmental Monitoring Technician, you will contribute to robust water quality monitoring programmes that support environmental management and decision making across Canterbury. You will collect and process environmental data, maintain specialised monitoring networks, and provide technical expertise to ensure the reliability of our datasets.

Your primary focus will be using a variety of methods and equipment to monitor water quality across both freshwater and marine environments. You will:

• Record observations and collect samples for water quality parameters
• Undertake periphyton monitoring and sediment assessments
• Install, maintain and troubleshoot high-frequency sensors
• Assist with ecological research projects
• Support best-practice monitoring and data quality standards
• Maintain documentation of methods and processes

You’ll also play an important role in maintaining the quality and integrity of our data. This includes validating and calibrating instruments to ensure accurate measurements, uploading and processing data, reviewing datasets to identify errors and investigate anomalies, and managing the archiving of information within our databases.

Mōu │ About You

Success in this role requires a sound understanding of environmental sampling methodologies, strong technical skills, effective problem-solving abilities, and a practical, common-sense approach. You will demonstrate:

• A positive, inclusive and supportive team attitude
• Excellent communication, collaboration and relationship building skills
• A strong commitment to data quality, attention to detail and a methodical nature
• The ability to identify, investigate and resolve technical issues
• Good organisational skills and a health and safety mindset
• Initiative, adaptability and resilience
• The vision to develop and improve processes

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in environmental science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• At least three years’ professional experience in environmental monitoring
• Demonstrated capability with water quality sampling and field operations
• Experience with periphyton monitoring and ecological assessments
• Strong technical capability across monitoring equipment and sensors
• Competence collecting high-quality data and performing quality assurance processes
• A full Class 1 driver licence and proven competence around water

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 Rachel Herbert on 027 223 3836, or rachel.herbert@ecan.govt.nz.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday 30 August and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged.  If you are interested in pursuing an inter-organisational secondment please mention this in your cover letter.  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