Our vision is for a thriving Southland - environmentally, socially, economically, and culturally.

Love where you work. Love where you live.

Join Environment Southland and help shape the future of our region.

• Meaningful and impactful work
• Supportive and collaborative culture
• Work-life balance that matters
• Affordable living and short commutes
• Incredible outdoor lifestyle on your doorstep

In partnership with our community, Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council) is responsible for the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources - our land, our water, our air and our coast. As a Regional Council we operate across a large geographical region which extends from Stewart Island to Fiordland.

This position will support Environment Southland's maritime and harbour responsibilities across coastal and inland waterways. The role helps develop, implement and review procedures, practices and safety management systems, and works with local, regional and national authorities, boating organisations, representative bodies, user groups and the public to improve maritime safety across Southland.

The Navigation Safety Officer assists the Regional Harbourmaster and Deputy Harbourmaster to carry out their delegated responsibilities under the Maritime Transport Act (1994), Local Government Act (1974), Biosecurity Act (1993), Maritime Rules, Council bylaws and to deliver Council's objectives. The role also responds to maritime incidents as required.

You will be a resilient and engaging individual with a passion for getting things done and come to us with significant prior experience in a maritime environment and hold a New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime Operations level 4 (Skipper Restricted Limits), a recognised ring-fenced equivalent, or a higher deck certificate of competency.

To be successful in the role, it's important that you have:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated experience working as the master or skipper of a commercial vessel, with a sound practical understanding of working under an MTOP, applicable Maritime Rules, safe vessel operation, emergency procedures, record keeping and the responsibilities of the master
• Well-developed communication, computer and influencing skills with the ability to write clear, concise reports
• Experience and understanding of both recreational boating and commercial shipping operations.

As you may have guessed, we aren't interested in second best. But if you're a motivated professional with a demonstrated history of success, we want to hear from you!

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $75,000- $81,000.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, upload your CV and cover letter using the link below. 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.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Police check.

The closing date for applications is 11 October 2026.