Senior Analyst Environmental Management | Kaitātari Matua - Taiao

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and development opportunities

Wellbeing leave

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking a skilled analyst to join the Science & Environmental Policy unit. You will lead data analysis and forecasting to support decisions on environmental management, growth, housing and infrastructure, working closely with Policy Planning to inform major strategies.

You’ll translate complex data into clear recommendations for senior leaders and elected members, develop models and surveys, and lead research projects while mentoring colleagues.

Qualifications

• Lead technical and statistical analysis to inform planning, investment, policy and growth decisions.
• Turn complex environmental, growth and housing data into clear insights and recommendations for senior leaders and committees.
• Develop and apply models, forecasting tools and spatial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and statistical analysis to inform planning, investment, policy and growth decisions, including National Policy Statement on Urban Development reporting.
• Turn complex environmental, growth and housing data into clear insights and recommendations for senior leaders, elected members and the Spatial Plan Committee.
• Develop and apply models, forecasting tools and spatial analysis, and design and analyse resident surveys and focus groups.
• Evaluate the effectiveness, value and impact of programmes and funding arrangements.
• Establish performance frameworks and monitor key environmental, growth and housing indicators.
• Lead research projects on growth, housing and environmental trends.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring, and drive improvements in analytical methods and reporting.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Forecasting

Survey design

Policy communication

Project management

Education

Data analytics degree

Statistics degree

Applied environmental science degree

Economics degree

Tools

R

Python

GIS

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.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This role sits in our new Science & Environmental Policy business unit, reporting to the Head of Science, Climate & Environmental Policy. You’ll lead the analysis, forecasting and advice that ensures Council’s decisions on environmental management, growth, housing and infrastructure are grounded in robust evidence. Working closely with our Policy Planning team, your insights will inform the Regional Spatial Plan, Land Use Plan, Natural Environment Plan, Development Contributions Policy and other key strategies. You’ll translate complex data into clear, practical recommendations for senior leaders and elected members. The role is primarily office-based.

You will:

• Lead technical and statistical analysis to inform planning, investment, policy and growth decisions, including National Policy Statement on Urban Development reporting
• Turn complex environmental, growth and housing data into clear insights and recommendations for senior leaders, elected members and the Spatial Plan Committee
• Develop and apply models, forecasting tools and spatial analysis, and design and analyse resident surveys and focus groups
• Evaluate the effectiveness, value and impact of programmes and funding arrangements
• Establish performance frameworks and monitor key environmental, growth and housing indicators
• Lead research projects on growth, housing and environmental trends
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring, and drive improvements in analytical methods and reporting

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re a skilled analyst who loves finding the story in the data and making it count. You’re comfortable presenting to senior leaders and elected members, and you can explain technical findings in a way non-technical audiences understand and act on. You manage projects well, share your expertise generously and bring a practical, solutions-focused mindset.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in data analysis, statistics, applied environmental science, economics or a related discipline
• Sound knowledge of statistical analysis, forecasting, modelling, research and evaluation methods
• Advanced analytical skills and experience with environmental, urban growth and housing datasets and tools
• Strong research and survey design skills
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Project and programme management experience
• An understanding of local government planning and policy frameworks (desirable)

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

11pm Sunday 22 November 2026.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

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