Navigation Safety Officer

Love where you work. Love where you live.

• Join Environment Southland and help shape the future of our region.
• Meaningful and impactful work
• Supportive and collaborative culture
• Work-life balance that matters
• Affordable living and short commutes
• Incredible outdoor lifestyle on your doorstep

In partnership with our community, Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council) is responsible for the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources - our land, our water, our air and our coast. As a Regional Council we operate across a large geographical region which extends from Stewart Island to Fiordland.

This position will support Environment Southland's maritime and harbour responsibilities across coastal and inland waterways. The role helps develop, implement and review procedures, practices and safety management systems, and works with local, regional and national authorities, boating organisations, representative bodies, user groups and the public to improve maritime safety across Southland.

The Navigation Safety Officer assists the Regional Harbourmaster and Deputy Harbourmaster to carry out their delegated responsibilities under the Maritime Transport Act (1994), Local Government Act (1974), Biosecurity Act (1993), Maritime Rules, Council bylaws and to deliver Council's objectives. The role also responds to maritime incidents as required.

You will be a resilient and engaging individual with a passion for getting things done and come to us with practical experience working with or operating vessels in a maritime environment. A New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations Level 4 (Skipper Restricted Limits), a recognised ring-fenced equivalent, or a higher deck certificate of competency would be preferred but is not essential.

To be successful in the role, it's important that you have:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence others and prepare clear, concise reports;
• Practical experience in and around vessels, with a good understanding of safe boating practices, vessel operation and basic emergency procedures. Previous commercial skippering experience would be an advantage but is not essential;
• Experience in or active involvement with recreational boating and, ideally, some knowledge or experience of commercial maritime operations would be an advantage but not essential;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer applications.

As you may have guessed, we aren't interested in second best. But if you're a motivated professional with a demonstrated history of success, we want to hear from you!

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $75,000- $81,000.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, upload your CV and cover letter using the link below. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Police check.

The closing date for applications is 8 November 2026.

To apply for this job go to: https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies.