River Management Officer
The role
We are seeking a motivated person who is passionate about delivering positive outcomes for our communities and environment to join us in a permanent, full-time, River Management Officer position. This role is based from our Marton office and will work across part of the beautiful Horizons region and could see you working anywhere in our operational area from Bulls to Taumarunui.
The role provides an opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects that support the sustainable management of our rivers and waterways, balancing flood risk reduction with the protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems. Your work will help keep communities safe while supporting the river health, biodiversity, and environmental values that our communities’ treasure.
As a River Management Officer you will be working closely with the wider River Management team on planning, designing, constructing and maintaining river control and drainage works in a sustainable manner. You will be required to develop good working relationships with landowners, iwi, other agencies, and our ratepayers – particularly those in the rural area.
Why join us?
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 initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
- Flexible family friendly work environment.
- Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
- Working together for a better environment across our region.
- A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.
About you
We are seeking a driven and committed individual with diverse skills and experience to contribute to the delivery of river management, flood protection, and related operational projects that support organisational priorities. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as project management, environmental and/or regulatory management, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse backgrounds and recognise that skills developed in related fields can strengthen our capability and support the successful delivery of our work programmes. There is on the job support to develop in this role.
The River Management Officer role requires a relevant tertiary qualification to degree level such as Engineering (Civil), Science (in Earth Sciences, Geography, Freshwater Ecology or Geoscience) or a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering). It also requires someone capable of co-planning river protection and drainage works, liaising with landowners, completing technical reporting and budget management, while maintaining and improving the environment around us. We are also looking for a person with a proven ability to find practical solutions to problems, a working knowledge of health and safety, experience in contract supervision, and good communication skills.
The role works over a large area, so holding a current full Class 1 driver’s licence is essential. Comfort and capability working in outdoor environments is required.
About us
The Horizons region extends over 22,200 km2 – 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.
Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 6 September 2026.
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.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
