• Play an important role in a nationally respected team
• Promote best practice in identifying and monitoring contaminated land
• Provide specialist contaminated land science advice and support research

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

The work of the Science Group at Environment Canterbury consists of providing environmental monitoring and data; and research and advice to internal and external customers. Drawing from different science disciplines, the Science Group plays a key role in informing decision making across most of the organisation including informing organisational strategic intent, processing of consents, our approach to compliance, responding to incidents, the development of plans, and measuring our progress towards regional and national environmental targets.

Reporting to the Team Leader, Contaminated Land and Waste Science, this role will provide high level research and technical advice on contaminated land management.

More about the role:

• Actively participate in committee and community working groups.
• Contribute to research on the impacts of contaminated land on Canterbury communities.
• Applying relevant contaminated land legislation, standards, and technical guidance
• Provide quality assurance for technical reports and advice related to contaminated land management.
• Coach and mentor developing staff
• Actively participate in national initiatives related to contaminated land management. 

From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal work hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community.

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

Mōu │ About You

Your strong technical background and communication skills will enable you to interpret complex scientific information and translate it into clear, practical advice for a wide range of audiences, including tangata whenua, stakeholders, community groups, and decision-makers. 

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

You’ll have a master’s degree in a relevant field of science or a proven level of academic rigour and national recognition equivalent to a Masters. You’ll also have at least 5 years of professional experience in contaminated land. You’ll ideally be a Certified Environmental Practitioner (general practitioner) along with:

• Proven skills in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting, enabling complex technical information to be presented in a clear and accessible manner.
• A collaborative and solutions-focused approach, a passion for science, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Sound understanding of resource management legislation and its application to contaminated land and waste management.
• A commitment to and understanding of te ao Māori, awareness of evolving obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and experience applying these principles in a workplace setting, including engagement with iwi and other Māori partners.
• A current full driver’s licence

In addition, the following would be advantageous:

• Experience with geospatial tools (GIS) and data visualisation.

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 Brodie Young on 027 226 5134.  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday, 16 September 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

Hours of work – Permanent full-time position - From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal work hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community.

Location - This position is predominantly based at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch.
Salary - The indictive salary range for role is between $105,936 to $130,863 per annum depending on skills and experience. The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.