• Lead projects that drive sustainable land management outcomes
• Join a purpose-led organisation protecting Canterbury's environment
• Flexible work options and ongoing professional development

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 role can be based in either Timaru or Twizel.

You’ll be an experienced land management professional who is passionate about working alongside farmers, landowners, rūnanga and community groups to achieve positive environmental outcomes across Canterbury.

As a Senior Land Management Advisor, you'll play a key role in planning and delivering programmes that support the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, sustainable land use practices, biodiversity protection and community-led environmental initiatives. This is a highly collaborative role where you'll combine technical expertise, stakeholder engagement and leadership to influence positive change on the ground.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead sustainable land management and biodiversity work programmes
• Build trusted relationships with landowners, rūnanga and communities
• Deliver projects that encourage adoption of good land management practices
• Provide technical advice and field-based assessment of land use practices
• Coach and mentor others while contributing specialist expertise
• Support initiatives that protect and enhance Kāi Tahu values and aspirations

The role is not one that will have you stuck behind a desk all day as there’s plenty of field-based regional travel to provide you with variety and maximum job interest. 

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

Mōu │ About You

You'll be a collaborative and influential advisor who enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes. You understand the complexities of land management in New Zealand and can balance environmental, community and industry perspectives to deliver practical solutions.

You bring strong communication and relationship management skills, are comfortable working both strategically and operationally, and enjoy getting out into the field to support landowners and communities.

Mātau ā-Wheako │ Experience

Ideally, you’ll hold a tertiary qualification in resource management, farming, environmental science, ecology, or a related discipline along with:

• Three to five years’ experience in a role related to resource management, sustainability, land management/agriculture, biodiversity, ecology, conservation
• Understanding of land use, land use systems, land management practices, resource conservation and biodiversity protection principles
• Experience working with diverse networks of people
• Effective communication skills, facilitation
• Strong working relationships with range of people
• A general understanding of Tikanga Māori and the regional significance of Ngāi Tahu is desirable

If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

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.  

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 Wednesday, 23 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