Chief Scientist (GM Environmental Science)

Introduction

• Senior leadership role with broad impact and influence
• Balance general management function with scientific and political nous
• Lead the delivery of integrated environmental science to inform decision making

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.

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).

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s environmental science function. As Chief Scientist (GM Environmental Science), you will lead multidisciplinary teams that provide trusted scientific research, insights, and advice that informs decision-making within the organisation, across the region and beyond.

You’ll operate at a general manager level – connecting science, strategy, policy, operations and communications with rūnanga and community outcomes – while leading a high-performing team and influencing across local and national networks.

• Provide strategic leadership and delivery of environmental science
• Lead through a period of significant change to ensure our science is trusted, respected and understood
• Drive collaborative, integrated science to inform decision making

• Build enduring partnerships with Ngāi Tahu, stakeholders, and sector leaders
• Act as a trusted advisor and spokesperson on environmental science

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

Mōu │ About You

You are a visionary and influential strategic science leader with the ability to translate organisational priorities into collaborative, integrated work programmes. You bring a strong leadership presence, a commitment to partnership, a passion for empowering people and a proven ability to resolve complex and sensitive issues.

You thrive in complexity – leading through change, influencing at the highest levels, and creating alignment across diverse stakeholders. You'll understand the environmental challenges across Waitaha Canterbury’s diverse landscapes and be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation that serves the communities of Canterbury. You bring:

• Proven success in science leadership roles driving delivery of strategic outcomes
• Exceptional people leadership – building, inspiring and developing high-performing teams
• Strong political acumen with a proven ability to navigate complexity and uncertainty
• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills
• An ability to effectively communicate complex science to diverse audiences

Mātau ā-Wheako | Experience

• PhD in environmental science or related discipline
• Significant experience leading science functions in large or complex organisations
• Broad scientific expertise with a proven ability to operate outside your specialist discipline
• Recognised standing within the science community
• Demonstrated success influencing strategy, policy, and organisational direction with both scientific and political nous

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're 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 more information on this role please email [email protected]

Applications close on Wednesday 9 September 2026. Interviews for this role will be held during the week beginning 14 September 2026, although applications will be reviewed as we receive them and interviews may begin before the closing date. We reserve the right to close the advertisement early and encourage you to apply now if you think your skills, experience and passion are well suited to this role. Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter.

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.

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

Description

Job Description: