River Management Officer

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• Fixed-Term role available.

• Based in Whitianga.

• Promote river management work in collaboration with landowners, stakeholders and partners within the Coromandel Zone.

• Plan, supervise and deliver specific river management projects including soil conservation / erosion control, plant pest control, riparian and wetland enhancement.

• Assist with heavy rain and flood events through planning and emergency response.

• Participate in the development of river management work programmes, plans and budgets.

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, Iwi, community representatives and ratepayers.

• Provide ongoing advice and information.

Mō te tangata | About you

• Enjoy working with people and have a real interest in promoting sustainable land use, soil conservation, and protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

• Demonstrated computer literacy.

• Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.

• Willingness to operate outside of ‘normal’ working hours from time to time.

• Thrive on providing exceptional customer service.

• Has an interest in working in different locations around a beautiful region.

• Enjoys working outside, with a good level of fitness and physical ability.

• Health and safety conscious.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification and preferably a minimum of 3 years' experience.

• Experience in contract/contractor management/supervision.

• Experience in managing and delivering restoration projects, including erosion control, pest plant control, native planting, and working in and around water.

• Understanding of catchment processes and how to build catchment resilience.

• Demonstrated skill and experience in advising on and delivering specific river/catchment management works including soil conservation/erosion control, plant pest control, riparian and wetland enhancement, nature-based solutions.

• Demonstrated skill and experience in project/contract management.

• High level understanding of health and safety with regards to contractors and the outdoors.

• Proven success in building relationships and resolving issues with internal and external stakeholders.

Mo te tīma | About the team

• We support Waikato Regional Council’s mission by implementing policies for non-statutory methods of integrated catchment management.

• The policies can include biosecurity and natural heritage management, fostering sustainable use of land and catchments, and managing infrastructure assets (comprising flood protection, river management, drainage, and catchment management work).

Mō mātou | About us

• We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.

• Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. 

• Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.

• If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.

• By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better. 

• Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applicants will be reviewed as they come in and this role will close on Sunday 7 December 2025.

• If you would like to review the Role description, please click here.

• If you have any questions about the role or would like further details, please contact [email protected]

• Apply Now!