Director of Environmental Science & Policy

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully subsidised health insurance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development"

Employee benefits and discounts

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a leader for the newly formed Science & Policy team. You will provide scientific evidence and environmental intelligence that sit at the heart of policy development, programme design and strategic decision‑making, ensuring data informs decisions.

You will build and lead a high‑performing team, translate complex science for senior leaders, and pursue partnerships that extend what Council can achieve with iwi, researchers and government.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in environmental science, monitoring or a related analytical field.
• Proven ability to ensure monitoring and data programmes generate insight that shapes policy, investment and decision-making.
• The ability to apply an economic lens to science investment, including scoping and prioritising programmes.
• Proven people leadership experience, and experience working in or with local government.
• Working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in an environmental science context.
• Strong connections across the national environmental science and research community, with a track record of building partnerships, co-funding arrangements and shared monitoring programmes.
• A tertiary qualification in environmental science, environmental management, ecology, natural resource management or a related discipline

Responsibilities

• Ensure environmental monitoring programme generates timely, accurate data that feeds into policy and investment decisions.
• Provide the scientific evidence and environmental intelligence that underpins good policy, statutory planning and decision-making.
• Apply an economic lens to science and monitoring investment so programmes are well-targeted and a sound use of public money.
• Pursue research partnerships, co-funding and shared monitoring programmes with iwi, councils, research organisations and government.
• Translate complex scientific information into clear advice for senior leaders, elected members and policy teams.
• Support the effective operation of Council’s flood warning network.
• Build and lead a focused, high-performing team

Skills

Environmental science

Data analysis

Policy influence

Leadership

Education

Tertiary qualification in environmental science

Job description

Nelson City Council is seeking a leader for the newly formed Science & Policy team. You will provide scientific evidence and environmental intelligence that sit at the heart of policy development, programme design and strategic decision‑making, ensuring data informs decisions.

You will build and lead a high‑performing team, translate complex science for senior leaders, and pursue partnerships that extend what Council can achieve with iwi, researchers and government.