Biosecurity Project Lead - Ungulate Management

Northland Regional Council; Whangarei Heads; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional environmental authority in Whangarei is seeking a Project Lead to spearhead a biodiversity initiative aimed at eliminating wild deer in Northland. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in biosecurity, with a strong focus on community partnerships and strategic project management. This role involves direct engagement with local communities and stakeholders to maintain healthy ecosystems and promote biodiversity. Flexible work arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing support

Recognition for contributions

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in ungulate control programmes.
• Deep technical expertise in operational planning and delivery.
• Proven ability to foster relationships with communities.

Responsibilities

• Drive initiative to eliminate wild deer and protect biodiversity.
• Manage contracts and ensure health and safety compliance.
• Develop public awareness campaigns and coordinate responses.

Skills

Biosecurity expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Project management

GIS mapping tools

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Whangārei

Job Category: Biosecurity and Biodiversity

Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Te Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you?

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi? / What work do we do? We work together with tangata whenua and communities to care for the environment and communities in our rohe, matching our skills and resources with the visions and aspirations of our people. We work to protect and restore healthy waters and our native taonga, through meaningful partnerships with tangata whenua and communities, and to build more resilient and adaptable communities in a changing climate. Here at Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Te Taitokerau | NRC, your mahi makes a real difference to our communities.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.

The opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic Project Lead to drive our joint initiative with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to eliminate wild deer from Te Taitokerau and protect the region’s unique biodiversity.

This is not your average role. You will be at the helm of a multi-faceted programme that blends strategic planning, and rapid response operations with deep community engagement and inter-agency collaboration. From shaping annual operational plans and prioritising high-risk sites, to managing contracts and ensuring health and safety compliance, you will be integral to ensuring the success of the initiative.

You will build trusted partnerships with mana whenua, and work closely with deer farmers, local communities, and alongside DOC to foster a shared vision for a wild deer-free Northland. Whether you’re supporting public awareness campaigns, advising on biosecurity best-practice or coordinating responses to ungulate sightings and incursion, your leadership will ensure the project stays on track.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for environmental protection, a knack for stakeholder engagement, and the grit to lead complex operations, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.

About You

We are looking for a seasoned biosecurity professional with at least 10 years of hands-on experience leading ungulate control programmes across government or private sectors. You’ll bring deep technical expertise in operational planning, field delivery, and managing contractors, alongside a proven ability to foster trusted relationships with communities and mana whenua.

You will be confident with GIS mapping tools and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. A current driver’s licence is essential, and a firearms licence and relevant tertiary qualification are desirable.

We understand that sometimes the right person doesn't ‘tick all the boxes'. If you feel that you have something to offer but may not fully meet all the job criteria described, please don’t hesitate to apply, and we’ll consider all your talents.

Benefits

Just as you care about your community and environment, NRC cares about you and your wellbeing. Our organisation celebrates collective efforts and achievements and recognises every individual for their contributions and dedication to their mahi.

We understand the importance of flexibility, so we’re committed to alternative working arrangements for our staff. We offer a range of flexible work arrangements to suit our people’s varied lifestyles, commitments and cultural needs.

Apply

The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contact our Project Lead (Grant MacPherson at [e-mail]).

To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work: JD Link: Biosecurity Project Lead - Ungulate Management

Applications close on 23 September 2025

We review applications as they are received. Apply online now, as the close date may change. Please note that we do not accept email applications.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.