Principal Implementation Advisor - Rural

Job Type: Fixed Term | Full Time

Location: Timaru (TIM)

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Solve complex problems in the rural community
• Make an impact in this challenging role
• Make good decisions today for tomorrow

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

Our team provides leadership, technical expertise, and a strong connection within and between Environment Canterbury and its rural community so that we can collectively achieve positive environmental outcomes. As a Principal Implementation Advisor – Rural, you’ll lead the development and deliver long-term practical work programmes as well as providing specialist technical advice to support industry partners, the rural community, external parties, and internal staff.

This role will give you the opportunity to bring innovative solutions that enable us to give effect to national and regional policy requirements in a way that is inclusive and effective for the rural community.

This role is based in Timaru (but we will consider those based elsewhere in the region), and is fixed-term for 9 months.

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

Mōu │ About You

You’ll ideally have a tertiary degree in resource management, biodiversity, science, agriculture, or a related field; or the equivalent, evidenced, relevant work experience in this field.

You’ll have a strong agricultural background coupled with an appreciation and knowledge of the regulatory framework applying to the agricultural sector in Waitaha/Canterbury.

You’ll be a natural leader and collaborator as you will be a key point of contact internally, as well as externally for industry groups and stakeholders to connect with the council.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

You’ll Have

• Experience in project management.
• A sound understanding of current regulatory and non-regulatory drivers and opportunities relevant to the rural sector, including policies and best practice applicable at national and regional scales
• Experience in facilitating the design and delivery of collaborative outcomes and a passion for working with the rural sector
• Practical experience in working within statutory framework. Experience in mentoring and building capacity
• Ability to work with and across multiple stakeholder groups, navigate contentious issues, and influence action to improve environmental outcomes

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

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday 26 July 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