Manager - Environmental Science

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The role provides oversight of our five environmental science teams and connects across the organisation often playing a pivotal role in priority projects. Central to the role is ‘space’ to also make the most of opportunities to participate and influence national direction.

We will be looking to our Manager Environmental Science to lead the shaping of a future focussed science programme, one that respects our strong science legacy whilst at the same time reshapes and reprioritises our science focus going forward.

To thrive in this role, you are someone who:

• Leads, guides, and mentors a high calibre, well respected, science team.
• Shapes strategic investment in science and evidence.
• Communicates science and research in an engaging and relatable manner.
• Provides strategic leadership across priority organisational projects.
• Anticipates emerging trends and challenges and develops the evidence base to inform strategic decision making.

Mō te tangata | About you

We’re looking for someone who Is invigorated by working in a time of uncertainty and ambiguity, someone who can lead and guide an environmental evidence base that will influence the future for our region.

We are operating in a dynamic period of considerable change for the local government sector, particularly so for regional councils. Now is the time to influence an environmental science foundation for the Waikato’s future. As well as leading, mentoring and guiding our team of expert scientists, you will connect across the regional sector and science providers, and will strengthen relationships with our iwi partners.

Our Manager Environmental Science is an independent ‘trusted advisor’ working for the best of the region – a truly unique role.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• Minimum master's degree qualification in science related discipline
• Full NZ driver's license
• Doctorate qualification (desired)

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in a relevant senior advisory or managerial role
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, and excellent communication skills – written and verbal
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, partnership with tangata whenua, and the application of te ao Māori in a local government context.
• Strategic and tactical thinking skills.
• Political awareness and skill in dealing with sensitive and confidential issues
• Proven success at building relationships and resolving issues with internal and external stakeholders.
• Broad general management skills including people leadership, business acumen and positive business achievements and financial management.
• Proven ability to influence / persuade and guide.
• Ability to manage and deliver in an environment that could be high pressure and rapidly changing.

Mō mātou | About us

• We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.
• Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.
• Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and all staff have an important role to play in the delivery of exceptional customer service.
• If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.
• By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better.
• Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on 13 July 2026.
• For a copy of the role description, please click here.
• If you have any questions about the role, please contact ***email_hidden***
• Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf.
• Apply now!