Senior Pollution Prevention Officer

Southland has a unique landscape, a close-knit and caring community and is home to some of New Zealand's most pristine and dynamic environments. We are central to Aotearoa's playgrounds of Queenstown, Fiordland, and the Catlins. As a regional council, Environment Southland is responsible for leading the sustainable management of Southland's natural, physical resources - water, land, air and the coast. These resources are vitally important because they underpin both our regional economy and our quality of life.

The Senior Pollution Prevention Officer contributes to the overall performance of the Resource Management Team by planning, managing and implementing the Pollution Prevention Work Programme including hazardous substances, waste disposal and contaminated land. Providing advice and assistance to industry and the urban community throughout the region.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Lead Environment Southlands contaminated land management, including maintaining our database of contaminated site, and supporting landowners and territorial authorities with regulatory requirements
• Driving pollution prevention initiatives through industry engagement, and development of practical guidance to reduce discharges and environmental impacts
• Manage hazardous substance and waste programmes, including advising on best practice and support compliance with relevant legislation
• Lead proactive environmental programmes and long-term improvements helping to reduce environmental risks before incidents occur.
• Respond to pollution events during working hours and as part of the after-hours pollution roster to minimise and prevent environmental harm and degradation and conduct site inspections and evidence collection in accordance with Criminal Procedures, Act, Bill of Rights Act and Evidence Act within statutory timeframes

Emphasis is on

• Having a sound level of environmental knowledge on air quality, water quality and contaminated land.
• Being confident working with industry and communities to influence behaviour and achieve practical environmental improvements
• The ability to manage and reprioritise ever changing workload and develop relationships throughout Council, with consent holders, the public and industry representatives.
• Being comfortable working in unknown situations dealing with complex issues to obtain best environmental outcome, retain organisational goals and values and maintain consistency with legislation, while maintaining professional relationships. Having the knowledge of the different legislations, national environment standards and plan rules that can be breached and an ability to inform individuals, companies and other regulatory authorities of environmental breaches which can result in a maximum sentence of 18 months imprisonment and $10,000,000 fine with professionalism while maintaining inter-agency relationships.

Authorities

This position requires the successful application to hold a Warrant which allows functions and powers to be exercised under the Biosecurity Act 1993, Resource Management Act 1991, Local Government Act 2002, Local Government Act 1974 and Building Act 2004. As such a clean criminal record is required and is to be maintained during employment in this position.

To be successful in this role you will need to have

• A relevant tertiary qualification and, preferably 5 years related experience
• Proven experience in a field relating to environmental compliance, environmental engineering or environmental science.
• Knowledge of the urban/ industrial sectors and the need for effective environmental management
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, particularly The Resource Management Act 1991, HSNO, and the inter-relationship with other legislation
• Can lead programmes and manage complex environmental information, including site data and investigationsAbility to manage conflicting demands in a fair and productive manner
• Highly accurate and keen eye for detail.
• Full current driver's license (and the ability to drive a manual vehicle)

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary package, a vibrant and supportive working environment, and ongoing training.

If you are ready for a new adventure, looking for an opportunity to grow your career whilst enjoying all the lifestyle benefits Southland and Environment Southland offers, apply today: https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/ enter ref code: 6900287.

Your cover letter will be an important part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $95,040. -$100,320.

Applications close: 21 June 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 may include working in partnership with mana whenua and supporting the commitments our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.