Operational Analyst - Wilding Conifer Programme

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

Job summary

Environment Canterbury seeks an Operational Analyst for the Wilding Conifer Programme. The role supports a 3-year fixed-term project, managing contractor-sourced data held largely in GIS systems, enabling reliable reporting and tracking.

Responsibilities include maintaining datasets, implementing data quality processes, and training internal users to ensure effective use of systems and compliance with national agreements.

Qualifications

• Five+ years' experience in systems management or data analysis, preferably GIS-based.
• Strong data stewardship and reporting capabilities.
• Experience facilitating system use and translating data for non-technical audiences.
• Competency with MS Office and bespoke systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain operational data sets for Wilding Conifer Programme.
• Develop and maintain data processes to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Provide training and user support for data systems.

Skills

Data analysis

GIS expertise

Systems management

Communication

Education

IS/Data Science degree

Tools

MS Office

GIS software

Custom systems

Job description

Operational Analyst - Wilding Conifer Programme

Posted: 25/08/2026

Closing Date: 13/09/2026

Job Type: Fixed Term | Full Time

Location: Christchurch or Timaru

Job Category: IT

• Enable streamlined delivery of a multimillion-dollar environmental programme
• Provide data management support, including GIS, data integrity, and large datasets
• 3-year fixed-term | Timaru or Christchurch based

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

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This 3-year fixed-term opportunity, supports a programme of work controlling Wilding Conifers. You’llmanage data largely obtained from contractors delivering work in the field, enabling ease of reporting and tracking within the programme. The majority of information is held within GIS systems.

You'll also:

• Maintain operational data sets for these programmes
• Develop, implement and maintain processes to ensure accurate, quality data
• Provide internal users with training and support to ensure effective use of systems
• Provide overall data stewardship, ensuring compliance with national agreements and regulatory obligations

This role will ideally be based in Timaru, but we will also consider candidates based in Christchurch.

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be a great communicator who can identify improvement opportunities, use initiative and solve problems efficiently. You'll be responsible for transparent and diligent record-keeping, ensuring seamless communication and data management between contractors and government entities. Our programs are seasonal and fast-paced, so your ability to maintain data integrity and processes is highly valued.

Above all, you'll be a team player with a can-do attitude, ready to match our dynamic team

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

Ideally you’ll be tertiary qualified in, or have significant experience in, Information Systems, Data Science/ Analysis or equivalent.

You’ll bring :

• A minimum of five years’ experience in either systems management or data analysis, ideally GIS based
• Experience in facilitation of systems use, user needs analysis and requirements scoping
• Competencyacross the MS Suite of applications and an aptitude to specialised or bespoke systems
• Ability to communicate data requirements to non-technical peopleAbility to translate and display data/technical information in easy-to-understand formats for a range of audiences (maps, charts, reports, etc)
• Significant strength in programme reporting and planning, including demonstrating success and providing data to enable effective future planning. A high level of confidence in being able toprovide information quickly and effectively is essential

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 every’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.

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.