• Are you inquisitive, solutions & people focused?

• Do you have experience in managing ecological projects and programs of work around biodiversity?

• Do you seek the challenges of working on strategic outcomes for our community and environment?

Waimakariri District is one of the fastest growing Districts in New Zealand and the third largest, by population, in the South Island. This brings with it abundant challenges across a diverse range of areas. We promise to be professional, approachable and solutions-focused when providing for our community.

The Waimakariri District Council are seeking an experienced Ecologist to identify, monitor, protect and enhance areas of high biodiversity value or with ecological restoration potential across the Waimakariri District.

Working within the Greenspace Biodiversity Team, the ecologist will confidently collaborate and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders and organisations to deliver practical, on-the-ground ecological outcomes.

This role is central to implementing the Waimakariri Natural Environment Strategy and contributing to actions under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Key responsibilities include the monitoring and provision of management advice for areas with high biodiversity value, delivery of effective restoration projects and funding programmes and high-quality expertise across projects and programs of work for our environmental and natural parks network.

The ideal candidate will be:

• an experienced ecologist who enjoys working across a range of places such as in the field, office and community environments

• pragmatic, solutions focused and able to work independently

• culturally aware with an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

• able to lead by example and facilitate a customer-focused environment

• motivated and organised to manage a diverse workload

• an effective communicator in various media with different audiences, working with stakeholders such as other Council departments, landowners, elected members, community groups, mana whenua, and partner organisations

An understanding of engagement processes, strategy implementation, planning procedures and local government would also be an advantage. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and skilled person with experience in conservation biology, ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring and community engagement to join a progressive and customer-focused Council.

In recognition of the skills and experience, a very competitive salary is offered. The Council offers a challenging work environment where you really make a difference.

Only 20 minutes north of Christchurch, Waimakariri District offers small town and rural lifestyles with a range of outdoor recreation activities on your doorstep but with the advantages of a big city nearby. Whatever your choice of living environment it is readily available and affordable.

Please click here to view the Position Description.

For any further information on this position, please contact Bex Dollery, Biodiversity Team Leader, on 0800 965 468 or email at rebecca.dollery@wmk.govt.nz

If you have the appropriate skills, experience and attitude to fulfil the requirements of this position, and you want to be on our team then get in touch because we want to hear from you!

The Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Applications close 15 May 2025.