Are you an experienced Health and Safety professional looking to step back without stepping away? This part-time opportunity lets you put your skills to good use while maintaining a great work-life balance.

Waimate District Council is on the lookout for someone confident and capable to take over the reins from our current Health and Safety Advisor. The good news? You'll have a smooth handover with the current advisor still on board — but we're ideally looking for someone who can hit the ground running.

We're after a trusted professional who knows their way around a risk register, can lead a confident and welcoming induction, and is passionate about supporting others to work safely and smartly.

Ideally, you're local and already know what makes Waimate special, so we won't need to sell you on the lifestyle (but yes, we think it's pretty great too).

About the Role

We're currently assessing and refreshing our Health and Safety systems, so this is your chance to really make an impact. We're looking for someone who's hands-on, practical, and people-focused someone who's just as comfortable out in the field with our water team as they are leading a fire drill or reviewing procedures at a desk.

This role covers all areas of Council, and no two days will be the same. You'll have the opportunity to shape the way we do things.

Your Key Responsibilities

• You'll be our go-to advisor for all things Health and Safety
• Created, update and maintain policies, manuals, and training records
• Maintain and review our risk register and H&S strategy
• Undertake Health and Safety inductions for staff
• Support investigations and ensure accident and incident reporting is actioned
• Coordinate regular health and safety training across teams
• Participate in and lead Health and Safety Committee meetings
• Assist staff with health and safety processes related to contractors
• Coordinate and participate in emergency drills and preparedness
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments
• Maintain strong relationships with WorkSafe and industry professionals
• Assist Council to meet our obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Drive a culture of safety and wellbeing across the organisation
• Ensure health and safety initiatives are delivered within approved budgets

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in a Health and Safety role (bonus if it's local government or field-based)
• Solid understanding of NZ Health and Safety legislation and best practices
• Confident communicator, able to engage with everyone from field staff to leadership
• Excellent document and report writing skills
• Process driven, detail-focused, organised, and self-motivated
• Friendly, professional, and approachable
• Strong Microsoft Office and computer skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Full, current NZ driver licence
• Legal right to work in New Zealand

Perks

• Flexible hours (within Mon-Fri, 8am-4.30pm - we're happy to chat!)
• Birthday leave (take the day off!), upfront sick leave, and workplace wellbeing support
• Up to 5% employer contribution towards KiwiSaver/Super Easy superannuation scheme

To learn more, contact grace.aikman@waimatedc.govt.nz. You must have and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand and hold a full, current New Zealand driver licence.

This role is subject to a satisfactory Police and Credit Check