Senior River Management Officer
The role
We are expanding our River Management team and have an opportunity available for a Senior River Management Officer to work closely with the team leader and wider team members, where you will bring and apply your advanced knowledge and practical experience. This is a permanent, full-time position based from our Kairanga Service Centre.
This role provides an opportunity to be involved in the delivery of river management, flood protection, and related operational projects that support organisational priorities. As a Senior River Management Officer you will work closely with and support the Team Leader River management on planning, designing, constructing and maintaining river control and drainage works in a sustainable manner. You will also monitor and report on the condition of flood protection assets, prioritise and supervise works, as well as mentor junior staff. You will be required to develop good working relationships with iwi, other agencies, and our ratepayers – particularly those in the rural area.
About you
You’ll hold a relevant tertiary qualification to degree level such as Engineering (Civil), Science (in Earth Sciences, Geography, Ecology or Geoscience) or a New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering). In addition, you’ll bring at least 5 years’ experience in river and drainage management or other relevant field such as civil engineering or project management.
You will be capable of writing technical reports and you’ll be someone with a proven ability to find practical solutions to problems. A working knowledge in health and safety, experience in contract supervision, and outstanding communication skills will also make you stand out above the crowd. We’re also looking for someone who can work collaboratively with and provide support to the team leader as well as provide mentoring, guidance and support to officers and cadets, fostering their professional development and success.
As the role works over a large area, a current full Class 1 driver’s licence is essential. Comfort and capability working in outdoor environments is required. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Be sure to also check out the Careers page on our website for other current vacancies, as we are also recruiting for additional opportunities across the team.
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 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 12 July 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.
