Senior Environmental Specialist

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' annual leave

Life insurance

Income protection

Critical illness insurance

Job summary

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is seeking a Senior Environmental Specialist to lead environmental asset management and standards initiatives across the transport network. You will drive standards, specifications, and Environmental Management Plans under the Integrated Delivery Model, using data, risk and cost insights to inform national investments.

You’ll influence programmes across technical, operational, supplier and regional teams, contributing to the environmental asset management

Qualifications

• At least six years’ relevant experience in environmental asset management, construction environmental management, environmental compliance and assurance, freshwater or fish passage management, resource efficiency, water quality or related discipline.
• Ability to deliver complex strategic outcomes through collaboration across technical, operational and supplier teams.
• Excellent communication skills to translate technical information into practical advice for decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead environmental asset management and standards initiatives to improve outcomes across NZ’s transport network.
• Drive implementation of environmental standards, specifications and Environmental Management Plans under the Integrated Delivery Model.
• Use environmental data, risk, cost and performance insights to inform national investment and operational decisions.
• Influence complex programmes across technical, operational, supplier and regional delivery teams.

Skills

Environmental asset management

Stakeholder engagement

Influencing and relationship mgmt

Strong communication skills

Data-informed decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Job description

• Lead environmental asset management and standards initiatives that improve outcomes across New Zealand’s transport network


• Drive implementation of environmental standards, specifications and Environmental Management Plans under the Integrated Delivery Model


• Use environmental data, risk, cost and performance insights to inform national investment and operational decisions


• Influence complex programmes across technical, operational, supplier and regional delivery teams


• Permanent opportunity based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

As a Senior Environmental Specialist, you will lead environmental asset management and standards initiatives that support NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA) investment, asset management and operational decision making, helping to deliver better environmental outcomes across the transport network.

Working within the Technical Standards team in Asset & Operations, you will use environmental data, risk, cost and performance information to support sound investment, asset management and operational decisions. You will help develop, update, implement and assure environmental standards, specifications, procedures, guidance, research and tools.

A key focus of the role will be supporting implementation of the Integrated Delivery Model, including providing national oversight of Environmental Management Plan development, implementation and review. You will also contribute to the development and implementation of the environmental asset management framework and provide advice for national land transport programmes, State Highway Asset Management Plans and Low Cost Low Risk programmes.

While the role initially has a strong focus on fish passage, including data management, prioritising culvert assets for retrofitting, coordinating asset assessments and finalising and implementing specifications, you will also contribute across a broad range of environmental asset initiatives such as wetland management, vegetation control, resource efficiency, contaminated land, water quality, noise wall assets and other environmental asset types.

Success in this role requires more than technical expertise. We're seeking someone who can build trusted relationships and work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders across NZTA, industry, and partner organisations. You'll be a skilled writer and strategic thinker, able to influence outcomes, develop strong business cases, and maintain momentum across complex programmes. If you're adaptable, people-focused, and enjoy turning complex challenges into practical solutions, we'd love to hear from you.

You will find out more about the role here: Position Description.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we’re looking for

• At least six years’ relevant experience in environmental asset management, construction environmental management, environmental compliance and assurance, freshwater or fish passage management, resource efficiency, water quality or a related environmental discipline


• Proven ability to deliver complex strategic outcomes through others in a collaborative manner and maintain momentum across technical, operational and supplier teams


• Strong influencing and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively across organisational and sector boundaries


• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, practical advice for operational, asset management and investment decision-makers


• Sound knowledge of environmental and social responsibility principles and best practice


• An understanding of New Zealand’s transport system, transport construction and maintenance, and roading procurement


• A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Planning or another relevant discipline


• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline would be advantageous


• Knowledge of, or a willingness to develop your understanding of, Te Ao Māori, tikanga, Te Reo Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it applies in the public sector

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment, and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.

At NZTA, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here, valued, respected and empowered to bring your whole self to work.

From five weeks’ annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees, you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

2 September 2026

For further information, email: [e-mail]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.