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Posted 16 July, 2026

Principal Implementation Advisor - Rural

Environment Canterbury
Timaru, CAN, NZ Full Time
Reference: 54771a1eefae3341

Job Description

Job Type: Fixed Term | Full Time Location: Timaru (TIM) Job Category: Environmental Services Solve complex problems in the rural community Make an impact in this challenging role Make good decisions today for tomorrow 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 (work) 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. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment). About the Role Our team provides leadership, technical expertise, and a strong connection within and between Environment Canterbury and its rural community so that we can collectively achieve positive environmental outcomes. As a Principal Implementation Advisor – Rural, you’ll lead the development and deliver long‑term practical work programmes as well as providing specialist technical advice to support industry partners, the rural community, external parties, and internal staff. This role will give you the opportunity to bring innovative solutions that enable us to give effect to national and regional policy requirements in a way that is inclusive and effective for the rural community. This role is based in Timaru (but we will consider those based elsewhere in the region), and is fixed‑term for 9 months. About You You’ll ideally have a tertiary degree in resource management, biodiversity, science, agriculture, or a related field; or the equivalent, evidenced, relevant work experience in this field. You’ll have a strong agricultural background coupled with an appreciation and knowledge of the regulatory framework applying to the agricultural sector in Waitaha/Canterbury. You’ll be a natural leader and collaborator as you will be a key point of contact internally, as well as externally for industry groups and stakeholders to connect with the council. Experience You’ll Have Experience in project management. A sound understanding of current regulatory and non-regulatory drivers and opportunities relevant to the rural sector, including policies and best practice applicable at national and regional scales. Experience in facilitating the design and delivery of collaborative outcomes and a passion for working with the rural sector. Practical experience in working within statutory framework. Experience in mentoring and building capacity. Ability to work with and across multiple stakeholder groups, navigate contentious issues, and influence action to improve environmental outcomes. Working at Environment Canterbury Our Values Kaitiakitanga (stewardship) Pononga (integrity) Manaakitanga (people first) Whanaungatanga (collaboration) Māiatanga (can do) We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills. We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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