About us 

The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. Our purpose is to work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.

The role 

Do you have a passion for biodiversity? Have you hugged a tree lately or encouraged someone else to do the same? Do you have the skills to join our team to help inspire people throughout our region to engage with biodiversity. We are currently seeking a Biodiversity Advisor (Community) to work with communities and landowners to enable engagement with biodiversity enhancement. This permanent position based in either Whanganui or Kairanga (near Palmerston North) will provide a mix of office and field based work throughout the region.

Our Biodiversity programme is focused on empowering communities to reconnect with and improve biodiversity in the Manawatū/Whanganui region, along with finding, protecting and enhancing our unique regional ecotypes.

The Biodiversity programme includes management of Tōtara Reserve Regional Park including its tracks and other facilities, the Kanorau Koiora Taketake contestable biodiversity fund, as well as large projects with multiple stakeholders working to restore natural ecosystems such as Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge.

As a Biodiversity Advisor you’ll be a key member of a high performing team responsible for leading multi-faceted programmes working with a wide variety of stakeholders to improve biodiversity in our region

About you 

You have skills that engage communities, sharing knowledge and inspiring others. You will have a passion for all things environmental as well as practical skills around native plant identification and pest plant and pest animal control. An understanding of ecological processes or experience in ecosystem restoration is also paramount. Your personable approach, strong empathy and previous work in the rural community combined with your eagerness and willingness to learn will instantly set you apart. 

The ability to effectively engage and partner with whanau, hapū and iwi. Along with experience in project management, including skills in financial management and reporting, you will need great interpersonal skills and proven success at relationship building.

A full drivers’ licence is essential, experience with 4X4 vehicles is preferred. 

Why should you apply?

When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through: 

• Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing. 
• Providing you with your birthday off, and an extra week leave after 2 years of service
• Flexible family friendly work environment
• Ongoing professional and functional development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills. 
• A supportive and social work environment across the organisation
• And for permanent staff life insurance, discounted healthcare premiums and subsidised eye examinations.

Applications close 5pm Friday 17 February 2023. 

Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace so our people reflect the diversity of our region.