Biosecurity Delivery Lead - Wilding Conifer Programme

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury seeks a Biosecurity Delivery Lead to oversee the Wilding Conifer Programme in the South Canterbury region, combining field and office duties to deliver a major environmental initiative.

You will manage budgets, safety, contracts and contractors, liaising with landholders and stakeholders, to advance programme outcomes under pest management plans. A strong project-management background is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in project management, contracts and HSE.
• Background in environmental management or forestry.
• Knowledge of biosecurity programmes and practices.
• Driver's licence required and proficiency with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of works in the South Canterbury region and manage budgets, health and safety, contracts and contractors.
• Deliver programmes through landholder agreements and diverse work types including helicopters and ground crews.

Skills

Project management

Contract management

Health and safety

Biosecurity programmes knowledge

Microsoft Office

Full driver's licence

Education

Environmental Management degree

Forestry degree

Job description

Biosecurity Delivery Lead - Wilding Conifer Programme

Posted: 24/08/2026

Closing Date: 13/09/2026

Job Type: Fixed Term | Full Time

Location: Christchurch or Timaru

• Deliver a legacy scale environmental project with a passionate team
• 3 Year fixed term | full time, offering a mix of field and office-based work
• Enjoy a level of autonomy in your work where your effort and innovation positively impact the environment

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

This 3 year fixed-term opportunity will oversee the delivery of works in the South Canterbury region and be responsible for managing the associated budgets, health and safety, contracts, and contractors. Works will be delivered through agreements with landholders and involve different work types including the use of helicopters, on-ground machinery and ground crews.

More about the role:

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans in collaboration with the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.
• Enable end to end operational delivery of wilding conifer operations.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to deliver work programmes, including the Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation.
• Build and maintain relationships with community groups and landholders to improve programme outcomes.
• Help Canterbury meet its objectives under the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan.

This job would ideally be based in Timaru, but we will also consider applicants based in Christchurch.

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Ideally, you'll you have a background in project management, contract and contractor management and an understanding of the Health and Safety Act and our responsibilities in the PCBU chain. You'll have a genuine passion for our Environment and be physically fit and thrive on a challenge. You'll have self-driven, a meticulous planner and have leadership experience.

You'll be a great communicator and be happy talking at a farm table or in front of groups.

We are looking for applicants with the following experience:

• Project Management background desirable
• Contract Management background desirable
• Health and Safety background desirable
• Education in Environmental Management, Forestry or something similar
• Knowledge and practical experience in Biosecurity programmes
• Full drivers licence required
• Experience using the full Microsoft package

Our mahi is underpinned by our values:

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

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Rich Langley on 027 420 2407.

Applications close on Sunday 13 September. Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and interviews may take place before the close date. We reserve the right to close advertising early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.