Manager Science & Policy

Nelson Holdings Limited; Nelson, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully subsidised health insurance

Learning and professional development

Generous leave provisions

Meaningful work shaping the community

Job summary

Nelson City Council is recruiting for a new role leading our merged Science & Policy unit. You will provide scientific evidence, environmental intelligence and data to inform policy, climate resilience and investment decisions.

Working with environmental policy and planning, you’ll ensure current evidence shapes policy development, programme design and delivery across Council. You’ll build partnerships, pursue co-funding and translate complex science into clear advice for senior leaders, while

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in environmental science, monitoring or related analytical field.
• Ability to translate monitoring data into policy and investment decisions.
• Proven people leadership experience, preferably in local government context.
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in environmental science.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary science and intelligence function.
• Ensure monitoring data informs policy, investment and decision-making.
• Build partnerships and pursue co-funding for shared monitoring programmes.
• Translate complex science into clear advice for senior leaders and policy teams.
• Oversee operation of flood warning and related monitoring systems.

Skills

Science leadership

Environmental monitoring

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Local government experience

Education

Environmental science degree

Job description

Shaping our future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

You’ll be part of a new integrated unit bringing science, environmental policy, planning and climate resilience together, so robust evidence and practical, cost-effective choices shape Nelson’s future.

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a new role leading our newly formed Science & Policy team. Reporting to the Head of Science, Climate & Environmental Policy, you’ll provide the scientific evidence, environmental intelligence and data that sit at the heart of how Council makes decisions, develops policy and invests in environmental outcomes. Working closely with our environmental policy and planning function, you’ll ensure robust, current evidence shapes policy development, programme design and strategic decision-making. Environmental monitoring is a critical feedback loop, and you’ll keep it active and influential. You’ll bring a practical, economic lens to science and monitoring, focus on where Council has a unique contribution to make, and pursue partnership, co-funding and shared delivery arrangements that extend what Council can achieve.

You will:

• Ensure Council’s 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

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You bring the technical credibility to lead a multidisciplinary science and intelligence function, and sound knowledge of biodiversity, freshwater, climate and broader environmental policy frameworks. You can connect evidence to policy responses that are practical and affordable. You create an environment where your team can do their best work, coaching and developing them, setting clear expectations and removing the roadblocks that get in the way.

You will bring:

• Substantial experience in environmental science, monitoring or a related analytical field, with the technical credibility to lead a multidisciplinary science and intelligence function
• 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

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Supportive, empowering leadership that backs you to do your best work
• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• Fully subsidised health insurance
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• A range of employee benefits and discounts
• Meaningful work that shapes our community’s future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks on your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Midnight on Monday 23 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our People & Capability team on: [e-mail].