• Full Time
• Application Closes 03 May 2026
• Manawatu - Palmerston North
• Geological Data Technicians

Horizons Regional Council Environmental Data Department is seeking a Team Leader Environmental Data (Northern region), to lead our Environmental Data operations across the Rangitīkei, Tongariro National Park, & Whanganui catchments. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for delivering high-quality environmental monitoring, supporting flood response and emergency management capability, and ensuring our field operations and data systems perform reliably when it matters most. This is a permanent, full-time position.

The role

As Team Leader Environmental Data, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of field-based environmental monitoring operations, including hydrological monitoring, telemetry systems, site maintenance and data completeness and quality. You will lead a team of skilled technicians and work closely with paired monitoring units, data specialists, scientists, and engineers to ensure the collection and delivery of trusted environmental data.

The role combines people leadership, operational delivery, and technical oversight, with a strong focus on: 

• safe and effective field operations
• high-quality data collection
• reliable monitoring network performance
• readiness during flood events and emergency response.

This role requires someone who is comfortable taking ownership, setting clear expectations, and ensuring work is delivered consistently across the network.   

Key responsibilities 

• Lead and support a team of field technicians across the northern area
• Ensure monitoring sites are maintained to a high operational standard
• Deliver environmental data collection in line with established SOPs and standards
• Support flood response and emergency management when required
• Work alongside paired units and data teams to ensure network performance and operational delivery is maintained
• Plan and coordinate field work programmes and priorities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of documentation, training, systems and department processes

About you 

You are a practical leader who is comfortable working in both field and operational environments. You bring: 

• experience leading or supervising technical or field-based teams
• a strong understanding of environmental monitoring, hydrology, or related disciplines
• a focus on quality, reliability, and getting the job done
• the ability to make sound decisions in dynamic environments
• a collaborative approach, working across teams to deliver outcomes.

You understand that environmental data is critical infrastructure and take pride in ensuring it is collected, managed, and delivered to a high standard.   

What we offer 

• A meaningful role supporting regional resilience and environmental outcomes
• A strong, capable team and supportive leadership environment
• Opportunities to contribute to modern monitoring systems and forecasting capability
• A role that combines leadership, technical work, and real-world impact.

Why join us? 

Environmental Data sits at the core of how Horizons understands and responds to the environment. From real-time data supporting flood forecasting to long-term environmental science and policy effectiveness; this work directly supports communities, infrastructure, and decision-making across the region. 

This is an opportunity to lead a team that delivers real outcomes, every day. 

Furthermore, when you join the Horizons team, 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.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 3 May 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.