Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect Te Taitokerau Northland's environment and communities. Does that resonate with you? 

Ko te aha ā mātou mahi? / What work do we do?

We’re focused on creating a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities - matching our skills and resources with the vision and aspirations of our people. Our mahi involves working in partnership with tāngata whenua and our communities to protect and care for our waters, land, air and native life, while building our region’s resilience and adapting to a changing climate. When you join us, you’re part of something bigger-  helping Te Taitokerau thrive for generations to come. 

Toitū te whenua, toitū te moana, toitū te tangata. If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.    

Te āheinga / The opportunity 

Join our Regulatory Services team and play a key role in protecting the future of Northland’s environment. This is your chance to step into a position where your expertise truly matters—guiding the monitoring of coastal marine activities, industrial discharges, land use, and contaminated land to ensure our region meets its obligations under the RMA, National Environmental Standards and Regional Rules.

You’ll lead a committed team responsible for investigating and resolving environmental incidents, while helping shape and deliver Council’s wider compliance, monitoring and enforcement strategies. Your ability to provide clear, confident leadership and build strong relationships—both within Council and across industry—will be essential to your success.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and bring your leadership strengths to a role that supports a healthier, more resilient Northland, we’d love to hear from you.

He kōrero mōu / About you

We are looking for someone who can bring the following to our diverse talent pool: 

• A relevant tertiary qualification e.g. in water quality related sciences or similar
• Five plus years experience working in local government or similar regulatory field
• Previous management experience
• Sound knowledge of Regional Council Resource Management Act functions
• Previous work experience in the implementation of strategic compliance programmes
• Sound knowledge of the enforcement provisions in the RMA
• Previous work experience in the interpretation and implementation of legislation relevant to environmental management (i.e. RMA or HSNO)
• A current driver’s license
• Excellent computer skills, preferably with MS Office, GIS, and databases

Ko te aha ngā painga o te mahi kei konei? / What are the benefits of working here?

Just as you care about your community and environment, NRC cares about you and your wellbeing. Our organisation celebrates collective efforts and achievements and recognises every individual for their contributions and dedication to their mahi.    

 We understand the importance of flexibility, so we’re committed to alternative working arrangements for our staff. We offer a range of flexible work arrangements to suit our people’s varied lifestyles, commitments and cultural needs.

Tono mai / Apply

The mahi we do really makes a difference, so if you are motivated to help nurture our region’s taiao, we are keen to learn more about you. Want to have a kōrero with us first, or just need more information? If so, contact our Compliance Monitoring Manager, Tess Dacre(tessd@nrc.govt.nz). When you hit “Apply”, you will be taken through to our external careers site, where you will be able to view the job description: JD: Compliance Monitoring Manager - Coastal & Land

Applications close 20 January 2026

Please note as our team will be on leave over the Christmas period, any enquiries made after 23 December 2025 will be replied to after 12 January 2026. Interviews for this role are expected to be scheduled towards the end of January. Please note we will not accept email applications. 

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship, or a valid NZ work visa.