Programme Lead - Biosecurity Compliance

Taranaki Regional Council; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 101,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks leave + 1 day

Active social club

Onsite gym

Flexible working options

Free car parking

Training opportunities

Job summary

Taranaki Regional Council is seeking a Programme Lead – Biosecurity Compliance to manage the delivery of the biosecurity work programme and provide leadership for field activities under the Biosecurity Act 1993. This role leads a team of seven direct reports and collaborates on strategic and operational plans.

You’ll hold a bachelor’s degree in Biosecurity Management with at least five years of leadership in biosecurity or pest management, plus strong proactive leadership and communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biosecurity Management or a similar field.
• Five years’ experience in Biosecurity/Pest Management leadership role, preferably in local government.
• Proactive and effective leadership, motivational and supervisory skills.
• Advanced knowledge of the Biosecurity Act 1993, biosecurity pathways and risks and of pest control and biosecurity surveillance techniques and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Biosecurity team, managing performance, setting clear expectations, and providing mentoring and development opportunities.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership and direction of the Biosecurity team and implementation of the Council's strategic and operational plans.
• Lead and grow a team of seven direct reports with vision and clear work programmes aligned to TRC’s strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Biosecurity knowledge

Strategic planning

People management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biosecurity Management or related field

Job description

Our people love working here because we are an enthusiastic team, with a diverse range of skills and experience, who are all rowing in the same direction. We are all passionate about making a positive difference for our community, both now and for our future generations. What drives us is making Taranaki the best place in Aotearoa, New Zealand to live, play and do business!

Our main office is based right in the centre of the region, right under our maunga (mountain), in Stratford. Living and working here means you have all the big city benefits, along with a rural lifestyle, and quick access to the sea, and breathtaking country.

Our mission is to work for a thriving Taranaki by promoting the sustainable use, development and protection of our natural and physical resources, and advocating for the region’s best interests.

We are committed to providing a service first approach to the public and regional community, and in doing so aim to continue to better the quality of our performance while working safely, sustaining effective communication and teamwork, having the initiative and right to make mistakes, holding accountability for improvement, being results-driven, and holding high job satisfaction.

Watch the video to find out more about Taranaki Regional Council's kaupapa, culture and the impact of our mahi.

Job Description

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Programme Lead – Biosecurity Compliance is responsible for managing the delivery of the Taranaki Regional Council’s biosecurity work programme. This includes providing leadership for field activities associated with the following; delivery of the Regional Biosecurity Strategy and the Regional Pest Management Plan for Taranaki under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

The Programme Lead – Biosecurity Compliance will:

• Lead and coordinate the Biosecurity team, managing performance, setting clear expectations, and providing mentoring and development opportunities.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership and direction of the Biosecurity team and implementation of the Council's strategic and operational plans

In addition, the position leads and grows a team of 7 direct reports by providing vision and purpose, setting expectations and work programmes that are aligned with the Taranaki Regional Council’s strategic direction.

Further details on the role can be found below on the Position Description link, or for any other questions please contact our People and Wellness team on [e-mail].

We like to set people up for success so you’ll be a leading applicant if you have:

• A bachelor’s degree in Biosecurity Management or a similar field
• At least five years’ experience in Biosecurity/Pest Management leadership role, preferably in local government environment.
• Proactive and effective leadership, motivational and supervisory skills
• Advanced knowledge of the Biosecurity Act 1993, biosecurity pathways and risks and of pest control and biosecurity surveillance techniques and protocols.

What’s on offer?

Taranaki Regional Council is a fantastic place to work! We have a great culture.

• Five weeks + one day annual leave entitlement
• Active social club
• Onsite gym
• Flexible working options
• Free car parking
• Training opportunities within each role

However, the best part is working alongside fantastic people who are truly dedicated to the Taranaki region.

The starting remuneration range for this role is $100,511 - $118,248 per annum (including KiwiSaver).

Applications close Sunday, 11 October 2026