At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Catchment Advisor to join our Environmental Implementation team on a fixed term (parental leave cover - 12 months), full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy coastal office.

The purpose of this position is to implement a programme of non-regulatory ‘on the ground’ initiatives and approaches to support engagement, solutions, and progress to achieving better environmental (urban and rural) catchment outcomes. This role will be focused on the Coastal area of Otago.

As a Catchment Advisor, you will be responsible for:

• Implementing work programmes to effectively deliver beyond-regulatory activities within rural and urban catchments
• Supporting site led initiatives and projects aimed at achieving biodiversity outcomes
• Understanding landowners/managers needs and aligning advisory services to enhance the uptake of on-farm good management practice
• Working closely with the primary sector and private consultants to develop collective approaches to the adoption of industry good practice

If you are interested a working proactively with our communicates to improve environmental outcomes, then this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Tertiary qualification in a related field, such as agriculture, geography, environmental management, planning or science communication
• A current, Full and clean driver’s license, with competency driving manual and off-road vehicles
• Experience working with and influencing rural and urban communities and landholders
• Experience in facilitating community outcomes with a non-regulatory environment
• A sound understanding of farming and growing systems and rural issues

A full job description can be found here –Jun 2021 catchment advisor position description.pdf

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Check out our website Managing Otago’s environment | Otago Regional Council to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Tuesday 8 September 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz