Team Leader, Water Ecology Science

Environment Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 114,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Canterbury in Christchurch is seeking a hands-on leader to head our water ecology science team. You will lead a group of scientists delivering research and advice to support environmental management across Canterbury, with a focus on water quality and ecological outcomes.

You will build capability, foster wellbeing, set clear expectations and connect your team to the purpose of their work, while collaborating with Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders and science networks.

Qualifications

• Master's preferred or Bachelor's in water-related discipline with a strong ecology component.
• Experience leading research projects and people in scientific or environmental settings.
• Proven ability to manage performance and wellbeing while delivering high-quality science.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of water ecology scientists and researchers.
• Create an inclusive, high-performing team culture.
• Support career development, succession planning and capability building.
• Manage team performance, wellbeing and resource planning.
• Provide scientific leadership on water quality and ecological outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders and science networks.

Skills

Leadership

Water ecology

Stakeholder engagement

Te ao Māori understanding

Team development

Education

Master's or Bachelor's in water ecology

Job description

• Lead water ecology science and environmental research
• Work for New Zealand's largest regional council
• Grow your leadership impact in a purpose-driven organisation

Kaunihera Taiao Ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Job Category: Biotech, R&D, Science

The region's evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes. This mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrerō mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This is an exciting leadership opportunity within our Science Group, where you'll lead a team of water ecology specialists delivering research and advice to support environmental management across Canterbury. As Team Leader Water Ecology, your primary focus will be leading and enabling a talented group of scientists and researchers.

You will be responsible for creating the conditions for success by developing capability, fostering wellbeing, setting clear expectations and ensuring your team remains connected to the purpose and impact of their work.

Alongside providing scientific leadership, you will play a critical role in shaping team culture, supporting professional growth and building leadership capability across the group.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead, coach and develop a team of water ecology scientists and researchers
• Create an inclusive, high-performing team culture
• Support career development, succession planning & capability building
• Manage team performance, wellbeing and resource planning
• Provide scientific leadership on water quality and ecological outcomes
• Build strong partnerships with Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders and science networks

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You are an authentic and capable people leader who is passionate about creating an environment where scientists can thrive. While your technical expertise provides credibility, it is your ability to lead, develop and inspire people that sets you apart. You understand that delivering excellent environmental outcomes starts with building engaged, supported and high-performing teams.

You bring a leadership style that balances strategic direction with coaching and empowerment. You foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion and continuous learning, enabling your team to navigate complexity, embrace innovation and deliver high-quality science that makes a tangible difference for Canterbury's environment.

You Will Bring

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a scientific, technical or environmental setting.
• Strong people leadership capability, with a track record of coaching, mentoring and growing capability in others.
• The ability to create a positive and inclusive team culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
• Experience managing performance, workload planning and wellbeing while maintaining high standards of delivery.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build trust, influence and engagement across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• A collaborative leadership approach that brings people together to solve complex challenges and achieve shared outcomes.
• Deep technical expertise in water ecology, water quality or freshwater science.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• An understanding of te ao Māori and the ability to work effectively with iwi and community partners.

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• A Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in a water-related discipline with a strong ecology component
• Five years' professional experience in water resource assessment with a Master's degree, or ten years' experience with a Bachelor's degree
• Experience linking water quality and ecological outcomes within a water resource management context
• Demonstrated success leading research projects, people and operational delivery programmes
• Experience working with iwi, stakeholders and community groups to achieve shared outcomes
• Sound understanding of resource management and regional council environmental responsibilities

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha | Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do) We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone's contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We are on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart & mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Elaine Moriarty on 0272005214.

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of application and hold work rights that will enable them to fulfil the full term of employment.

Applications close on Sunday 15 November 2026 and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

Hours of work

Permanent full-time position 40 hours per week - From time to time, as required, the role may require work outside of normal work hours for emergency and flood response and to represent Environment Canterbury at meetings and events with partners, other agencies, and the community.

Location

This position is predominantly based at 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch.

Salary

The indicative salary range for role is $113,729 - $140,490 per annum depending on skills and experience. The specific salary will be discussed at interview stage.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can

Job Description

Job description: