Science Integration Manager

Taituarā; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 139,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Supportive culture

Work-life balance

Affordable living

Outdoor lifestyle

Job summary

Environment Southland is seeking an experienced Science Integration Manager to oversee the Science Integration Team, align science initiatives with council strategies and drive data-driven decision making.

You will lead scientists and technicians, integrate new technologies and ensure effective data management while fostering collaboration and a strong culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge to fulfil the key accountabilities.
• Post-graduate qualification relevant to the role.
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience.
• Proven experience in effectively leading and managing people.
• Ability to plan, organize, lead and control division activities.
• Proven leadership with ability to articulate vision and drive change.
• Ability to lead culturally competent teams with tangata whenua/te ao Māori.
• Experience working with stakeholders, community groups and iwi.
• Strong project management with meeting deadlines.
• Strategic thinking and organisational focus.
• Excellent communication across diverse groups.
• Coordinate across science disciplines and articulate complex information.
• Strong presentation skills for varied audiences.
• Knowledge of environmental database systems and information dissemination innovation.
• Full current driver's license (manual vehicle).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Science Integration Team and oversee coordination, development and execution of the science strategy.
• Facilitate integration of new technologies, data management and methodologies.
• Drive alignment of scientific initiatives with organisational goals.
• Emphasise people leadership and development of science strategy.
• Oversee integration of research, technology and data into practical applications.

Skills

People leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Presentation skills

Project management

Communication

Change management

Te ao Māori collaboration

Driver's license

Team development

Education

Post-graduate qualification

Tools

Environmental database systems

Job description

In partnership with our community, Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council) is responsible for the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources - our land, our water, our air and our coast. As a Regional Council we operate across a large geographical region which extends from Stewart Island to Fiordland.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Science Integration Manager

The Science Integration Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Science Integration Team by overseeing the co-ordination, development and execution of the science strategy, ensuring alignment across multiple scientific disciplines and departments.

You will lead a team of scientists and technicians, facilitate the integration of new technologies, data management and methodologies, and drive the alignment of scientific initiatives with organisational goals.

Emphasis is on:

• People leadership
• Supporting the development and implementation of effective science strategy which is aligned with Environment Southland goals and market trends.
• Overseeing the integration of scientific research, technology and data into practical applications that drive organisational results.
• Evaluating scientific trends, technologies, and methodologies to provide an effective, efficient science programme that aligns with council outcomes and strategic direction.

• Meaningful and impactful work
• Supportive and collaborative culture
• Work-life balance that matters
• Affordable living and short commutes
• Incredible outdoor lifestyle on your doorstep

In partnership with our community, Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council) is responsible for the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources - our land, our water, our air and our coast. As a Regional Council we operate across a large geographical region which extends from Stewart Island to Fiordland.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Science Integration Manager

The Science Integration Manager is responsible for the overall performance of the Science Integration Team by overseeing the co-ordination, development and execution of the science strategy, ensuring alignment across multiple scientific disciplines and departments.

You will lead a team of scientists and technicians, facilitate the integration of new technologies, data management and methodologies, and drive the alignment of scientific initiatives with organisational goals.

Emphasis is on:

• People leadership
• Supporting the development and implementation of effective science strategy which is aligned with Environment Southland goals and market trends.
• Overseeing the integration of scientific research, technology and data into practical applications that drive organisational results.
• Evaluating scientific trends, technologies, and methodologies to provide an effective, efficient science programme that aligns with council outcomes and strategic direction.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge to fulfil requirements of the key accountabilities specified for this position.
• A post-graduate qualification relevant to the role
• A minimum 10 years relevant experience
• Proven experience in effectively leading and managing people
• Proven ability to plan, organize, lead, and control the division activities
• Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to articulate the vision and take people on a change journey
• Ability to lead culturally competent teams, able to work alongside tangata whenua and within te ao Māori
• Proven experience working with stakeholders, community groups and iwi.
• A high level of project management experience including meeting project deadlines.
• An ability to think strategically, and to develop a strong organisational focus.
• Skilled at communicating effectively with a diverse range of groups and individuals.
• Experience in coordinating across science disciplines and articulating complex scientific information in resource management processes.
• A high level of presentation skills and ability to tailor science to a wide range of audiences.
• A good understanding of environmental database systems and proven ability for innovation in information dissemination.
• Full current driver's license (and the ability to drive a manual vehicle)

We have a lifestyle that is second to none, with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes, ski fields, national parks and first-class sports facilities. We pride ourselves on the support we give our team to ensure a good work‑life balance is a priority. And with affordable real estate, short commutes and a great range of schools on offer there is something here for everyone!

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $139,140 - $146,870.

Applications close: 20 September 2026