Our vision is for a thriving Southland - working with our community for a better environment

In partnership with our community, Environment Southland (Southland Regional Council) is responsible for the sustainable management of Southland's natural resources - our land, our water, our air and our coast. As a Regional Council we operate across a large geographical region which extends from Stewart Island to Fiordland.

Working at Environment Southland requires all of our staff to uphold the council's Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities as part of their day-to-day role. This might be through the appropriate delivery of functions through various legislation where Te Tiriti o Waitangi or partnering with mana whenua is required or upholding the commitments that our elected councillors have made to Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku through the Charter of Understanding.

Having recently undergone an organisational redesign to ensure that we have the right structure and resources in place to respond to the changing needs of our communities, and the unique environment that we operate in, we currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Policy Analyst.

This is a newly created role within our Strategy & Policy team supports the Team Leader Policy by coordinating and preparing submissions on behalf of Council. You will provide expert advice, and lead projects as well as carrying out research, writing, editing and reviewing documents. You will contribute to the development of stronger national policies by helping ensure they are informed by regional perspectives and are practical to implement. You will also support other teams across Council by building the knowledge and understanding necessary for the effective implementation of these policies. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, while also allowing you to deepen your understanding of both national and regional policy landscapes.

If you have a tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as planning, environmental management or policy analysis, with proven experience (5+ years) then you may be the person we are looking for.

We have a lifestyle that is second to none, with easy access to beaches, rivers, lakes, ski fields, national parks and first-class sports facilities. We pride ourselves on the support we give our team to ensure a good work‑life balance is a priority. And with affordable real estate, short commutes and a great range of schools on offer there is something here for everyone!

Please upload your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

An initial offer of remuneration will be made within the range $97,740 - $103,170

Applications close: 20 July 2025