Our team is dedicated to caring for our region, Murihiku Southland. From Fiordland's peaks to Rakiura Stewart Island's shores, we work alongside our community to care for our land, water, air and coast, ensuring a thriving environment for the future.

We're excited to introduce a new opportunity within our Communications and Partnerships team, the role of Senior Advisor Consultation and Engagement.

This is a newly created position that will play a key role in strengthening our connections with our communities, partners, and stakeholders. It's an ideal position for someone who knows how to build relationships, foster trust and help shape the conversations that influence the future of our region.

You will lead and support engagement on major Council projects and processes, from Long-term and Annual Plans through to policy development and environmental initiatives. You will also help strengthen engagement capability across the organisation, offering sound advice and practical support to ensure our approach is consistent, transparent and meaningful.

In this role, you'll be:

• Planning and running a mix of community and stakeholder engagement activities that get people involved and encourage meaningful feedback.
• Offering practical advice and support to help teams connect and build strong partnerships in their work.
• Building and nurturing positive, long-lasting relationships with a wide range of people and organisations to achieve shared goals.
• Helping staff grow their skills and confidence in engaging with stakeholders and the community, and supporting a culture that values connection and collaboration

If you are passionate about people, community and making a difference, this is your opportunity to help shape how Southlanders engage with their environment and their regional council. You will also understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our partnership with Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku.

In return, we can offer a supportive workplace, flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a real impact in one of the most beautiful and unique regions in Aotearoa.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, go to: https://environmentsouthland.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/& enter ref code: 6847985 and upload your CV and cover letter.

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.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range of $95,040. - $100,320.

Applications close: 25 January 2026

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.