Senior Catchment Management Officer - West Coast

Waikato Regional Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Waikato Regional Council seeks a proactive professional to lead catchment management initiatives around the Hamilton area. You will collaborate with landowners and iwi, plan and deliver soil conservation, erosion control and riparian projects, and contribute to programs and budgets.

The role requires strong relationship-building, clear communication, and a willingness to work outdoors across the region. Relevant qualifications and experience in restoration are preferred.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification is required, preferably relevant to catchment management or environmental science.
• 6+ years work experience preferred in catchment or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Promote catchment management work with landowners and iwi.
• Plan, supervise and deliver catchment projects (soil conservation, erosion control, riparian work).
• Develop catchment management work programmes, plans and budgets.
• Build and maintain stakeholder, iwi and ratepayer relationships.
• Provide ongoing advice and information.
• Operate in Hamilton-based role and field activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Erosion control

Restoration projects

Farm systems knowledge

Computer literacy

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

• Promote catchment management work in collaboration with landowners and local iwi within the West Coast Zone.
• Plan, supervise and deliver specific catchment management projects including soil conservation / erosion control, plant pest control and riparian enhancement.
• Participate in the development of catchment management work programmes, plans and budgets.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, Iwi, community representatives and ratepayers.
• Provide ongoing advice and information.
• Hamilton-based position.
• Enjoy working with people and have a real interest in promoting sustainable land use, soil conservation, and protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
• Proven success in building relationships and resolving issues with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in advising on and delivering specific catchment management works including soil conservation/erosion control, plant pest control, and riparian enhancement.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in project/contract management.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
• Willingness to operate outside of ‘normal’ working hours from time to time.
• Thrives on providing exceptional customer service.
• Has an interest in working in different locations around a beautiful region.
• Enjoys working outside, with a good level of fitness.
• A relevant tertiary qualification and preferably a minimum of 6 years work experience.
• Experience in erosion control, including, a practical understanding of land use capability, land management and natural resource management.
• Experience in managing and delivering restoration projects, including erosion control, weed control, native planting, and maintenance requirements.
• Knowledge of farm systems and experience in producing environmentally focussed property or restoration plans.
• We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.
• Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.
• We support Waikato Regional Council’s mission by implementing policies for non-statutory methods of integrated catchment management. The policies can include biosecurity and natural heritage management, fostering sustainable use of land and catchments, and managing infrastructure assets (comprising flood protection, river management, drainage, and catchment management work).
• By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better.
• Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.
• Applicants will be reviewed as they come in and this role will close on Sunday 20th September 2026.