Hill Country Erosion Lead

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.

You’ll be part of one of Council’s most significant and visible programmes, shaping the future of our forests and hill country reserves for recreation, biodiversity and generations to come.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

As our Hill Country Erosion Lead, you'll play a key role in bringing together Council's hill country erosion and sustainable land management activities into a single, integrated programme of work. You'll use science, evidence and investment rigour to focus effort on the catchments and landscapes where erosion risk and environmental impact are greatest.

Working closely with landowners, iwi, central government agencies and industry partners, you'll build the relationships, funding arrangements and shared delivery models needed to extend programme reach and achieve lasting environmental outcomes. This is a highly influential technical role that combines strategic thinking, partnership development and practical on-the-ground delivery.

You'll provide expert advice on hill country erosion processes, risk assessment and sustainable land management, while helping shape the future of erosion management across Nelson's most vulnerable catchments.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading the development and delivery of an integrated hill country erosion and sustainable land management programme
• Providing technical expertise in erosion processes, risk assessment and sustainable land management practices
• Applying evidence-based prioritisation to target investment where erosion risk and environmental benefits are greatest
• Developing partnerships and shared delivery approaches that support long-term land management outcomes, including negotiating co-funding arrangements
• Monitoring programme performance and reporting on environmental outcomes, behaviour change and return on investment

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You'll be a highly credible environmental professional with deep technical expertise in hill country erosion and sustainable land management. You're equally comfortable analysing complex information, influencing investment decisions, working alongside landowners in the field, and building partnerships that deliver shared outcomes.

To Be Successful In This Role, You'll Bring

• Strong technical expertise in hill country erosion processes, risk assessment and practical land management solutions with experience developing practical, evidence-based solutions to complex land management challenges
• Experience leading erosion control, soil conservation or sustainable land management programmes at a catchment or landscape scale
• Strong relationship management skills and experience working with landowners, iwi, industry and government agencies
• Experience securing co-funding and developing business cases that attract investment from central government and other partners with the ability to apply investment rigour and prioritise funding to achieve the greatest environmental return
• Strong programme management skills, including budget, contractor and performance management
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical information into clear advice for decision-makers and stakeholders
• A relevant tertiary qualification in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management or a related discipline
• A full current New Zealand driver licence

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at 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

Midnight on Monday 9 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to James Griffiths, Forests Systems Manager on james.griffiths@ncc.govt.nz