Senior Biosecurity Officer

• Mix of office and field work
• Organise your own work schedule as part of a high performing team
• Role based in Timaru or Christchurch

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Waitaha - our Canterbury region - is like no other and we are proud to call it home. We have the privilege of working with Papatipu Rūnanga, stakeholders and our wider community to protect our environment, including water, land and air through regulation and planning. As a Regional Council we're responsible for flood protection, public transport, civil defence, biosecurity and more.

Together we're taking action to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations. Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te tangata | if the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Our Wilding Conifer Programme covers the whole Canterbury region, from the Waiau Toa Clarence River north of Kaikoura, to the southern edge of the Waitaki River catchment. Our dedicated team works closely with the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (NWCCP) and takes pride in protecting our region's unique landscapes. Our objective is to minimise impacts to biodiversity, and support landowners to protect their economic future through the sustainable management of wilding conifers.

We are focused on supporting landholders and communities to manage spread long-term. As a Senior Biosecurity Officer, you will be a key member of the team based in either Timaru or Christchurch (we will consider applicants from both locations). Your role will involve providing practical advice and guidance to support the delivery of wilding conifer objectives under the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan.

Your role will include a mix of office and field-based work, which will take you across the region and into the high country to some of Canterbury's most remote places. A sense of adventure and love for the outdoors is critical

Key Responsibilities:

• Support landholders and crown agencies to prepare for long-term wilding conifer management following investment from the national programme
• Utilise surveillance tools to help monitor the spread of conifers across the region
• Establish and maintain regional and strategic networks and relationships
• Uphold biosecurity compliance with regulations to protect investment
• Identify process improvement opportunities and resolve complex issues
• Develop and deliver training and advice to internal staff and community groups
• Assess infestations, cost control operations, and initiate future management initiatives
• Manage data, track progress and provide reports

Mōu │ About You

We are seeking a passionate individual who is committed to our environment and enjoys being challenged. You will possess a flexible and adaptable nature with the confidence to work autonomously at times. After a training period, you will work closely with the team to develop your work schedule and programme objectives. Ideally, you will have a calm demeanor, show confidence in engaging with others and demonstrate a high level of initiative.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or a minimum of five years of experience in a relevant field
• Understanding of biosecurity principles at regional and national levels, including wilding conifer management
• Experience with rural and urban stakeholders and the wider community
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to encourage and motivate people
• Comfortable supporting and coaching other staff with professional development
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Motivated to work collaboratively with our community
• Understanding of farming or environmental management is an advantage
• Must hold a full Class 1 driver's licence

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

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Rich Langley on

Applications close on Sunday 16 November.  Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, 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 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

Job Description