Compliance Officer

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury is seeking a competent Compliance Officer to join the Environmental Regulation team. You will work with resource users, landowners, businesses and communities to promote compliance with environmental legislation, resource consents and regional rules.

You will balance education, relationship-building, monitoring and enforcement to protect Canterbury’s natural resources and support positive outcomes. A rural background and ability to engage with the rural sector are valued.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Science, or related discipline.
• 3-5 years’ experience in compliance, regulatory, enforcement, or environmental management.

Responsibilities

• Monitor compliance with resource consents, legislation and environmental regulations.
• Investigate incidents, respond to non-compliance, determine appropriate actions.
• Build constructive relationships with resource users to promote sustainable compliance.
• Conduct field inspections, investigations and environmental monitoring across Canterbury.
• Prepare reports, maintain records and provide clear compliance guidance.
• Participate in incident response and contribute to continuous improvement.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Investigation

Communication skills

Rural liaison

Decision making

Education

Tertiary qualification in Environmental Management/Natural Resources

Job description

Job Category: Government, Defence & Emergency

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and resource consents
• Join a values-led organisation shaping Canterbury's future
• Diverse field-based role with professional growth opportunities

At Environment Canterbury, we're working together to shape a thriving and resilient Canterbury for current and future generations.

As the regional council for Waitaha Canterbury, we care for the region's air, land, water, and communities. Working alongside mana whenua Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders, and communities, we deliver three essential services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

As Canterbury continues to grow and change, so do we. We operate in a dynamic environment, responding to evolving legislation, policy, and community needs while continuing to deliver for our communities, partners, and te taiao (the environment). Adapting to change, embracing new opportunities, and finding better ways of working are all part of creating great outcomes for Canterbury.

You’ll be a competent Compliance Officer joining our Environmental Regulation team. This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll work directly with resource users, landowners, businesses, and communities to promote compliance with environmental legislation, resource consents, and regional rules. You'll balance education, relationship-building, monitoring, and enforcement activities to help protect Canterbury's natural resources and support positive environmental outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring compliance with resource consents, legislation, and environmental regulations
• Investigating incidents, responding to non-compliance matters, and determining appropriate compliance actions
• Building constructive relationships with resource users to achieve sustainable compliance outcomes
• Conducting field inspections, investigations, and environmental monitoring activities across Canterbury
• Preparing reports, maintaining accurate records, and providing clear compliance advice and guidance
• Participating in incident response activities and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives

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

You'll be a confident and pragmatic compliance professional who can build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders. You're equally comfortable working independently in the field, analysing complex information, and having challenging conversations when required. Your strong judgement, communication skills, and customer-focused approach enable you to achieve positive outcomes while upholding regulatory obligations. You will have a rural background and be ease conversing with the rural community which encompass all aspects of economic activities, cultural elements, adverse events as well as understanding their unique challenges.

You’ll have a relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Science, or a related discipline with 3-5 years’ experience in a compliance, regulatory, enforcement, or environmental management role along with:

• Knowledge of the Resource Management Act and related environmental legislation
• Strong investigation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships
• A full New Zealand driver's licence and willingness to work regularly in the field
• A sound understanding of the wider rural community and the challenges they face.

We’re a values-led organisation, and our values shape how we work, make decisions, and support each other every day.

• Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship) We make good decisions today for a better tomorrow.
• Pononga (Integrity) – we act honestly, take responsibility and o what we say.
• Manaakitanga (People First) - we put people first and treat everyone with care and respect.
• Whanaungatanga (Collaboration) – We build strong relationships and achieve more together.
• Māiatanga (Can Do)- We are brave solution focussed and make things happen.

Our values guide the way we work and shape our workplace culture. Throughout the recruitment process, you'll have the opportunity to share examples of how your experiences and approach align with these values.

We know that diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for our communities and environment. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.

We’re also on a journey to become a Treaty partner of excellence. We support our people to grow their confidence and capability in te ao Māori and encourage the use of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our everyday mahi. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll be welcomed and supported.

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Brian Reeves on 027 807 3284

Applications close Wednesday 11 November.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal history check. Additional background checks may be required depending on the nature of the role.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every requirement in the position description, we still encourage you to apply.