Rivers Manager

Love where you work. Love where you live. Join Environment Southland and help shape the future of our region.

The role of the Rivers Manager is to lead the integrated planning, design and delivery of Environment Southland's operational responsibilities under the Resource Management Act, and other relevant legislation. The role is accountable for the performance of the combined operational delivery for river teams, technical, design and planning functions within the Integrated Catchment Management Group.

This role focuses on

• providing strong people leadership that builds engagement, capability, accountability and a high-performance culture;
• integrating operational, technical, design and planning expertise to manage flood risk, river management, and infrastructure through a catchment-based approach;
• overseeing the development, design, assurance, monitoring and cost-effective delivery of annual and long-term work programmes, including asset maintenance, repairs and emergency works;
• providing joined-up operational and technical advice to organisational strategy, policy, investment decisions and responses to legislative change; and
• working in partnership with mana whenua, communities, stakeholders and other ICM managers to deliver robust, compliant, efficient and resilient outcomes.

What you'll bring

• Demonstrated knowledge to fulfil requirements of the key accountabilities specified for this position.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in environmental science, natural resource management, engineering, asset management or a related field.
• At least 10 years' relevant experience, including effective leadership of people in technical and operational settings and substantial programme or project management experience.
• Strong knowledge of river and land management, flood risk, infrastructure or environmental management, with the ability to integrate technical advice into practical operational delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organise, lead, deliver, control and report on complex programmes, including budgets, risk, assurance, regulatory compliance and long-term work planning.
• Strong strategic, analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to interpret evidence, solve complex problems and recommend durable, practical solutions.
• Proven change leadership, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with Councillors, mana whenua, communities, technical specialists, senior leaders and the public.
• Politically savvy and experience dealing with sensitive and confidential issues.
• Ability to lead culturally competent teams, work alongside tangata whenua and operate effectively within te ao Māori and the Murihiku context.
• Political awareness, sound judgement and experience handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• A full current driver licence, including the ability to drive a manual vehicle.

Why Choose Environment Southland?

We have a lifestyle that is second to none, with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes, ski fields, national parks and first-class sports facilities. We pride ourselves on the support we give our team to ensure a good work‑life balance is a priority. And with affordable real estate, short commutes and a great range of schools on offer there is something here for everyone!

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $139,140 - $146,870

How to apply

To download the PD, and to apply for this job go to: https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies& enter ref code: 6944834

Please ensure you upload your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

Applications close: 22 November 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.