Senior Climate Resilience Advisor - Fixed Term

Make a difference in our growing district

At Waimakariri District Council, we’re proud to serve a rapidly growing and diverse community. With strong population growth and increasing environmental challenges, we are focused on delivering resilient infrastructure and sustainable outcomes that support our current and future communities.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Climate Resilience Advisor to lead and support key climate resilience initiatives for the Council.

About the Role

This is a strategic and influential role, working across the organisation to strengthen our response to climate change and build long-term resilience. This role is fixed term full time for 2 years.

Key areas of focus include:

• Deliver key projects and workstreams within the Climate Resilience programme, including emissions-reduction and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based strategic advice to inform Council decision-making.
• Embed climate considerations into Long Term Plans, infrastructure strategies, and business planning.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, external partners and mana whenua.
• Support organisational capability and understanding of climate adaptation and emissions reduction.

This role will play a key part in translating strategy into practical, deliverable actions that support a resilient and thriving Waimakariri District.

About You

You will bring a strong mix of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and the ability to influence across a complex organisation.

To be successful, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in climate change, environmental science, planning, engineering, policy, or a related field
• Significant experience in climate change, natural hazards, resilience planning, or risk management
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex, cross-functional projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice
• Experience working in or alongside local government or infrastructure environments
• Proven ability to engage with stakeholders, including communities and iwi/hapū
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills suited to both technical and governance audiences

An understanding of the New Zealand legislative and policy context (including climate-related and local government frameworks) will be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

Working at Waimakariri District Council means being part of a collaborative, community-focused organisation.

We offer:

• Competitive remuneration and professional development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• The opportunity to work on meaningful, long-term challenges that directly impact our communities
• A supportive team environment committed to continuous improvement and innovation

This is your chance to contribute to outcomes that matter—helping ensure our district remains a great place to live, work, and play.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about climate resilience and want to help shape the future of the Waimakariri District, we would love to hear from you.

Please click here to view the position description.

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Sylvia Docherty, Strategy and Business Manager on 0800 965 468 (0800 WMK GOV).

Applications close: 5 July 2026