Team Leader Environmental Policy

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 – environmental policy you will lead the team responsible for the policy development and implementation of legislated changes to the district plan (including National Planning Standards, e-plans, NPS, NES, climate change mitigation and adaptation and wider review).  For a district the size and diversity of ours this requires an experienced, savvy leader who is a strategic thinker, experienced in the development and implementation of policy, able to navigate challenges in a logical and pragmatic manner.  You will be passionate about empowering opportunities for growth and development in our district but also mindful of our role as Kaitiaki for our future generations.  It goes without saying that you will be experienced in the complexities of local government and resource management, innovative, used to managing a multitude of projects to successful delivery and adept at leading and navigating change in an agile environment.  The key to your success will be your proven ability to engage with our communities and key stakeholders to facilitate strong productive relationships that are built on foundations of trust and integrity.  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.