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:
As part of the Environmental Regulation and Protection Strategy Section, you’ll help shape and deliver an integrated suite of Regional Strategies that align with long-term community outcomes — from biodiversity and biosecurity to air and water quality, land use, and braided river restoration.
Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role
As the Principal Strategy Advisor, you’ll lead strategic thinking and planning across key regional strategies such as the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy, Regional Pest Management Plan, Land Strategy, Braided River Revival, and Air Quality Strategy.
You’ll provide high-quality advice to support the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, and Council in setting direction and monitoring progress toward environmental outcomes for Waitaha.
For the right candidate, we’re open to appointing at the Senior Advisor level.
A job description can be provided on request.
Key accountabilities:
For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.
Mōu │ About You
You’re an experienced Advisor who is proactive, adaptable, and ready to lead regional strategy development alongside a supportive and collaborative team.
You’ll be a confident communicator, exercise diplomacy and discretion and be at ease persuading and influencing outcomes.
Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience
You’ll have a relevant university qualification supported by a post graduate qualification or other relevant technical training along with:
Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury
Our mahi is underpinned by our values:
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 Tom Scott (021 228 9387).
Applications close on Wednesday, 5 November.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.
We reserve the right to close advertising early.
Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check.
Further background checking may be required depending on 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.
While this position is advertised at the Principal Advisor level, we are also open to considering appointment at the Senior Advisor level for the right candidate.
Hours of work – Permanent Full time, 40 hours per week
Location - Based at Environment Canterbury Offices – 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch
Salary - The indictive salary range for role is $101,839 to $125,801 per annum based on skills and experience.
The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.
Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can