Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata
Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.
You’ll be part of a new integrated unit bringing science, environmental policy, planning and climate resilience together, so robust evidence and practical, cost-effective choices shape Nelson’s future.
About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū
Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.
About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced environmental leader to lead the delivery of Council’s environmental services. You’ll turn environmental policy and scientific evidence into practical, affordable action that strengthens community resilience, supports sustainable land use and protects biodiversity.
Bringing an operational and commercial focus, you’ll ensure environmental programmes, contracts and investments are well designed, financially sustainable and deliver measurable outcomes and value for public money. You’ll also build effective partnerships with iwi, landowners, regional partners and other delivery agencies.
You will:
- Lead environmental services programmes across environmental monitoring, biodiversity, biosecurity, sustainable land management and community resilience
- Translate environmental strategy and policy into practical, well-sequenced work programmes
- Establish and manage contracts and service arrangements, ensuring suppliers and delivery partners are accountable for delivery and value
- Oversee environmental monitoring programmes so data and reporting inform policy, compliance and investment decisions
- Lead catchment and environmental programmes delivered in partnership with landowners, iwi and stakeholders
- Manage field operations, budgets and financial performance across the function
- Lead the delivery, performance and continuous improvement of Council’s flood warning network
- Build and lead a capable, high-performing team focused on pragmatic, evidence-based delivery
This role is primarily office-based, reflecting the need for regular on-site presence to support effective collaboration, responsiveness and service delivery.
About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō
You’ll be an experienced people leader with strong environmental expertise, sound judgement and the ability to connect technical evidence with practical delivery. You’ll bring a commercial and economic mindset, confidently managing investment, expenditure, contracts and partnerships to achieve clear value for the community.
You will bring:
- Proven people leadership skills, including building team culture, developing capability and supporting individuals through change
- Proven technical knowledge across environmental monitoring, biosecurity, biodiversity or catchment management, with the credibility to lead and quality-assure specialist teams
- A commercial and economic mindset, with demonstrated ability to cost work programmes realistically, prioritise investment, manage spend and ensure environmental interventions represent clear value for public money
- Experience designing and managing environmental work programmes that are evidence-based, practical and appropriately scoped for the resources available
- An understanding of relevant environmental legislation, regulatory requirements and compliance obligations
- A track record of developing co-funded, shared-delivery or partnership arrangements
- Experience leading operational field-based teams with a strong commitment to safety and high performance
- The ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information clearly to non-technical audiences including senior leaders and elected members
- Strong relationship management skills
- A relevant tertiary qualification in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management or a related discipline
- A full current New Zealand driving licence
What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu
- Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
- A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
- Generous leave provisions
- Learning and professional development opportunities
- Access to various employee benefits and discounts
- Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
- Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep
At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Applications close | Rā whakakapi
Midnight on Monday 23 November 2026
For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai
Please reach out to our People & Capability team on: [email protected].