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Posted 24 August, 2026

Senior Rural Advisor

Hawke's Bay Regional Council
Napier City, HKB, NZ Full Time
Reference: 0668d0a4ae591c57

Job Description

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community. About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga: We are looking for a Senior Rural Advisor to join our Integrated Catchment Management Group. This is full time, permanent opportunity based in Napier. The Integrated Catchment Management Group is responsible for the delivery of programmes across environmental science, environmental information, catchment management, biodiversity, biosecurity, and land management. This role will lead and support rural engagement, catchment resilience, and project delivery initiatives that contribute to environmental protection, sustainable land use, and resilient rural communities. This role plays a key part in delivering our Land for Life programme, progressing the Hawke's Bay Catchment Alliance, coordinating bio management projects, and leading responses to rural resilience events. Working closely with landowners, catchment groups, whenua Māori, community partners, and government agencies, the role helps ensure practical, coordinated, and science-based outcomes that support integrated catchment management across the region. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a collaborative and purpose-driven team, using your expertise to deliver meaningful environmental and rural outcomes across Hawke's Bay. About you | E pā ana ki a koe: You will be a practical and relationship focused professional with experience working alongside rural communities and delivering projects that achieve positive environmental and community outcomes. You will bring strong project management capability, sound judgement, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver effective, customer-focused solutions. Ideally you will also have: A relevant tertiary qualification and experience in land management, rural advisory services, catchment management, environmental management, biosecurity, biodiversity, or a related field Experience leading or supporting complex projects or programmes, including planning, risk management, milestone tracking, and reporting Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical information and translate it into practical outcomes A current driver's licence and the legal right to work in New Zealand. The salary range for this role is between $88,995 to $104,700 and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Other benefits of working for our team include: Flexible working options to support work/life balance 5 weeks annual leave after 3 years Life insurance and income protection Subsidised eye tests and lenses, flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives Strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a supportive working environment. See a full list of our staff benefits here . As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We’re all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish. HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response. At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management. We focus on prioritising: Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua|Climate-smart and sustainable land use. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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