• Lead compliance monitoring for gravel authorisations and bylaw permissions
• Apply specialist rivers expertise to protect flood resilience assets
• Mix of field-based investigations, technical advice and programme leadership

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 unique opportunity to combine compliance monitoring, investigations and enforcement expertise with practical rivers and flood resilience knowledge. You'll lead and deliver compliance monitoring programmes associated with river gravel authorisations and Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaw permissions, helping ensure activities are undertaken safely, responsibly and in accordance with legislative and operational requirements.

Working across Canterbury, you'll apply your technical judgement in both field and office environments, build strong relationships with contractors, landowners, stakeholders, and partners, and contribute to the protection of Environment Canterbury's flood protection assets.

In this role you will:

• Lead compliance monitoring programmes for gravel authorisations and Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaw permissions.
• Provide specialist advice on river works, gravel management and compliance requirements.
• Respond to complex operational and compliance issues and determine appropriate actions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of monitoring systems, procedures and operational practices.

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

Mōu │ About You

You are a practical and solutions-focused professional who enjoys working independently while building productive relationships with others.

You're equally comfortable carrying out field inspections, engaging with stakeholders, investigating complex issues and providing technical advice. You use sound judgement, communicate effectively and can confidently navigate situations involving operational, environmental and compliance considerations.

You will bring:

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A pragmatic approach to achieving compliance outcomes.
• Confidence engaging with contractors, landowners, consultants and communities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience  

To be successful in this role you'll have:

• A tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Resource Management, Planning, Engineering, Science, Compliance, or a related discipline.
• Experience in compliance monitoring, investigations, enforcement, resource management, river management or a related field.
• Knowledge of legislation such as the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Experience interpreting and applying legislation, permissions, operational standards or authorisation conditions.
• Strong technical judgement and the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations.
• Experience building effective relationships with contractors, stakeholders, industry and communities.

Experience with gravel management, river operations, flood protection infrastructure or bylaw administration would be advantageous.

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 Jolene Irvine – Jolene.irvine@ecan.govt.nz

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday 27 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