Team Leader Ecology

The world changed in 2020. Now more than ever we are grateful for our special place in the world and are committed to our communities and responsibilities as the kaitiaki for future generations.  

Southland District Council has responsibility for 11% of the land area of New Zealand and incorporates areas such as Stewart Island/Rakiura, Milford Sound Piopiotahi and the Catlins. The environment is second to none and the range of environmental issues extensive and varied.  We have considered the impacts of the changes occurring at both a national and local level and are planning with our communities for the next 10 years and beyond. 

We have a lot to achieve with a district plan review, major legislative changes to manage as well as ensuring our native bush and significant landscapes are protected and we are managing climate change impacts. Because of this, we have changed how we are structured and have three exciting new leadership opportunities. These new roles will lead our consent processing, ecology and environmental policy teams who are all  committed to working together for a better Southland. 

As the team leader - ecology you will have a fantastic opportunity to drive the establishment and delivery of this work programme together with the opportunity to select your own team to develop and grow.  This role will be responsible for leading the assessing and mapping of Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) of indigenous flora and fauna across the district in accordance with the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB).  As you would expect for a district of our size and diversity there is a lot to do.  It goes without saying you will be an expert on ecological matters and able to translate scientific advice and legislation to a variety of audiences in an engaging way that engenders understanding.  You will be confident in your ability to stay abreast of emerging trends and articulate these into an organisational context.   You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of best practice in your field of expertise that see’s you as a trusted advisor.  Reporting directly to the manager environmental planning, you will be part of the leadership group and will contribute to the engagement, culture and growth of the team by role modelling our values and key leadership qualities.

In return we recognise that staff are our most valuable asset. We believe in supporting them in their training and development, having competitive remuneration packages which are bench marked against market rates and an environment which supports personal growth.

We have lifestyle covered too.  Our head office is based in Invercargill but live in the city, at the beach with views of the mountains or on your own rural paradise.  You choose.  You can be 10 minutes from your home, work, sport, your kid’s school concert or a meal in our award winning cafes.  In two hours you can be on the ski slopes or tramping in the bush or enjoying bigger city attractions.  Southland offers superb lifestyle and recreational opportunities, world-class sports facilities, affordable housing and high quality educational choices.  And best of all you’ll have the time to enjoy it.

If this sounds like the role you have been looking for, don’t delay download a recruitment pack and apply online today www.southlanddc.govt.nz/vacancies

Applications for this role will close at 5pm, 27 April 2021.