Catchment Management Lead

Description

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled Catchment Management Lead to provide senior technical leadership and oversee the delivery of complex catchment management programmes across the Coromandel, Waihou and Piako River catchments.

Paeroa-based – Senior Environmental Leadership role.
Lead a team delivering integrated catchment management, restoration, soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and river improvement programmes.
Oversee unit work planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and project governance.
Develop and implement catchment and restoration plans, Environmental Programme Agreements (EPAs), and high‑value natural habitat restoration projects.
Build strong partnerships with iwi, landowners, community groups, and key stakeholders—supporting co‑management and community‑led restoration.
Maintain alignment with the Coromandel, Waihou–Piako Zone Plan and regional programmes.
Balance a workload of approx. 60% leadership and 40% senior technical delivery, including hands‑on field work and project oversight.

Mō te tangata | About you

You will bring:

A strong understanding of integrated catchment management and restoration ecology.
Proven experience leading teams and building a positive, values‑based culture.
Expertise in planning and delivering catchment, soil conservation, erosion control, and biodiversity projects.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including working with iwi in a co‑management setting.
Strong project and programme management capability, including budgets, forecasting and contract oversight.
Political awareness, professionalism, and the ability to navigate sensitive or high‑profile catchment issues.
Confidence working both in the office and outdoors in varied terrain.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

Degree in natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, or related discipline (postgraduate desirable).
Minimum 6 years’ experience in catchment management or related environmental roles.
Demonstrated experience in leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
A current full driver’s licence is essential.

Mō te tīma | About the team

Lead a dedicated team of catchment managers.
Contribute to the Hauraki and Coromandel Catchments leadership team and wider team culture.
Connect with our wider Hauraki and Coromandel river and catchment staff, and regional catchment teams.
Work with our flood protection and operational teams within Hauraki.

Mō mātou | About us

At Waikato Regional Council, we work hard to care for the mighty Waikato—so current and future generations can benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.
Our mahi is as diverse as the region we serve. From protecting our water, soil, air, geothermal areas, and coasts, to supporting sustainable development, our work helps ensure these precious resources are safeguarded for generations to come.
Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and every staff member plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service. By partnering with iwi and working alongside our communities, we embrace collective kaitiakitanga to make the Waikato region even better.
Together, we’re creating a sustainable future that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 26 July 2026.
For a copy of the role description, please click here.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact human.resources@waikatoregion.govt.nz
Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf.
Apply now!