Director Science

• Strategic leadership opportunity in SI’s largest Regional Council
• Lead the largest cohort group of resource management scientists in New Zealand
• Drive high impact science with real community influence

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

After many years of outstanding service, the Director of Science is retiring - creating a rare senior leadership opportunity. This transition marks an important moment for Environment Canterbury and leaves big shoes to fill as we look for a leader to guide the next chapter of our science mahi.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and leading a team of 120, the Director of Science will lead our science informed functions with strategic and people centred focus across the organisation. This is a core role for South Island science, and you will champion the integration of science into council-wide activity, ensuring work is evidence-based, future-focused, aligned to our values and long-term commitments. You will shape culture, transform systems, and guide our organisation through complex environmental, regulatory, and community challenges – working closely with Ngāi Tahu, partner agencies, and environmental leaders across Waitaha.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the integration of science across Environment Canterbury’s work
• Provide executive leadership to support a values driven, high performing organisation
• Build trusted relationships with Ngāi Tahu, governance, key regional and national partners
• Guide strategy, planning, budgeting and performance aligned to long-term outcomes
• Lead continuous improvement, operational excellence, and accountable delivery

Mōu │ About You

Candidates of interest will have senior leadership experience leading groups of scientists, with experience leading operational delivery and services within a complex stakeholder environment undergoing change. You will be viewed as a credible and authentic science leader who brings a strong commitment to science excellence, community outcomes, and partnership and is well networked into science institutions/regional council network across New Zealand. You’ll bring a broad strategic lens - regulatory, cultural, environmental, and commercial, with proven experience to unify diverse teams around shared purpose. You will have:

• Masters/PhD in Science (or related field)
• Demonstrated success leading operational delivery, scientific services, and large, multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on health & safety
• A track record of driving culture, performance, and innovation
• Proven ability to develop & implement strategy, influence at executive/governance levels
• Values-driven behaviour, experienced in creating a culture where people can grow, deliver, and feel proud of their contribution
• Strong analytical, communication and report writing skills, with the ability to interpret complex legislation, policy, financial and performance data
• Confidence and experience engaging with tangata whenua and applying te ao Māori and Treaty obligations in practice.

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 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.

Despite this, our mahi to deliver the three core services must continue for our partners, communities, and te taiao.

Waitaha Canterbury has a unique, complex landscape with diverse catchment areas. As a decision maker in resource management, a regional council must make robust, science-informed decisions.

The Science Group consists of experienced kaimahi, who understand our region. This in-house expertise allows the regional council to gather high quality monitoring data, use local knowledge, and conduct research that provides strategic information on future pressures and possible solutions.

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 embrace diversity because it helps us better serve our communities and our greatest taonga—the environment. We celebrate different perspectives and welcome people from all backgrounds.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, incorporating te ao Māori into our mahi. We offer opportunities to grow your capability and encourage the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori. We welcome you with an open heart and mind, wherever you are on your personal journey.

Me mahi tahi tātou – Together we can

To apply in strict confidence now, email your cover letter and CV in PDF format wherever possible to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting 9129lg. Applications close on 15th February 2026.  Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

For more information please phone Louise Green on +64 3 353 4367.