• Monitor complex compliance investigations and incident response
• Join a values-led organisation making a real environmental impact
• Flexible working and great learning opportunities

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 an exciting opportunity for an experienced compliance professional to take a lead role in managing complex environmental compliance matters across Canterbury. As a Senior Compliance Officer, you will work with resource users, communities, industry representatives and internal stakeholders to achieve positive environmental outcomes through education, monitoring, investigation and enforcement activities. You'll tackle challenging and varied work, from responding to significant environmental incidents to providing expert guidance on compliance and regulatory obligations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading complex compliance monitoring and investigations
• Responding to significant environmental incidents and non-compliance events
• Applying regulatory tools to achieve sustainable compliance outcomes
• Building positive relationships with landowners, businesses and communities
• Coaching and supporting other Compliance Officers within the team

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

Mōu │ About You

If you're an experienced environmental compliance professional who enjoys balancing technical expertise with strong relationship management. You can confidently navigate complex regulatory situations, make sound decisions under pressure and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

You'll bring a practical, solutions-focused approach while maintaining the integrity required to manage enforcement and compliance activities. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by making a genuine difference for Canterbury's environment and communities.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

Success in this role will come from your ability to build credibility, influence outcomes and manage competing priorities while maintaining a strong customer focus. Experience working within resource management, environmental regulation, science, engineering or a related field would be highly advantageous.

You’ll have a tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Natural Resources or a related discipline with at least Five or more years' experience in a compliance or enforcement role along with:

• Project management experience
• Previous council experience in incident response
• Strong knowledge of environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Excellent communication, investigation and negotiation skills
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence and willingness to work in the field as required
• Proficient 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

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday, 11 October 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