Compliance Officer

Respond to pollution events, incidents, and community concerns Enjoy a varied role with field work, investigation, education, and enforcement Work in a supportive team covering mid-Canterbury Job Type: Permanent | Full Time Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Job Category: Environmental Services About Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha %02; 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). Kōrero mō te Tūranga %02; About the Role As a Compliance Officer, you’ll play an important role in protecting the environment by monitoring compliance with resource consents, regional plan rules, and environmental legislation. This role combines planned monitoring of consented activities and responding to pollution events, incidents, and community concerns. You’ll visit sites, gather information, assess environmental risk, talk with consent holders and members of the public, and help people understand what they need to do to meet their obligations. Where issues are identified, you’ll use your judgement to determine the right response, from education and advice through to enforcement action when required. This is a varied and practical role and is suited to someone who enjoys being outdoors, thinking on their feet, solving problems, and contributing to better outcomes for Waitaha Canterbury. The role sits in our Central Compliance team based at either our Tuam Street office in Christchurch or our Ashburton office, and provides a mix of office and field-based work around Selwyn, Banks Peninsula and Ashburton. Key Responsibilities Monitor compliance with resource consents, including site inspections and follow-up with consent holders with a focus on monitoring industrial sites. Knowledge of industrial processes and strong data analysis skills are an advantage Respond to pollution events, environmental incidents, and complaints from the community Investigate potential breaches of the Resource Management Act, regional plans, and consent conditions Gather, record, and assess evidence accurately to support sound decision-making Provide clear, practical advice to landowners, contractors, businesses, and the public Identify environmental risks and work with others to achieve timely, effective solutions Educate resource users on environmental rules, consent requirements, and good practice Take appropriate enforcement action when required, balancing professionalism, fairness, and transparency Build strong working relationships with internal teams, external agencies, consent holders, and the community For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert. Mōu %02; About You You’re a practical, solutions-focused person who enjoys field work, working with people, and making a positive difference for the environment. You bring sound judgement, strong communication skills, and the confidence to manage a mix of planned monitoring work and fast-moving incident response. You’ll be empathetic, accountable, adaptable , organised, and comfortable having clear conversations when issues need to be resolved. Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience You’ll hold a tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as environmental science, compliance, law, planning, science, or a related discipline, or bring at least two years’ transferable experience. You’ll Have Knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991, regional plans, or environmental regulation Experience in compliance monitoring, environmental field work, incident response, or investigation Confidence working outdoors, visiting sites, and engaging with a wide range of people Positive and constructive issue-resolution skills Strong customer service, communication, and conflict management skills Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, consent conditions, bylaws, and regulations Good computer, database, and written record-keeping skills A current full New Zealand driver’s licence Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury Our Mahi Is Underpinned By 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 Ko ētahi atu kōrero %02; Additional Information Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can Job Description Job Description #J-18808-Ljbffr