Northland Regional Council’s role is to care for and protect 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 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 Biosecurity team and play a key role in safeguarding kauri through education, advocacy, engagement, and practical action. Working alongside iwi, hapū, landowners, schools, community groups, and other stakeholders, you’ll help reduce the spread of kauri dieback disease and support efforts to protect these treasured forests for future generations.

In this varied and rewarding role, you will:

• Lead and help deliver the Kauri Protection Engagement Programme across Northland.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, schools, landowners, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Plan and deliver workshops, presentations, marae visits, events, and awareness campaigns.
• Support community-led forest health initiatives and practical actions that help protect kauri.
• Respond proactively to community needs and provide advice, education, and advocacy.
• Alongside your engagement work, you’ll help keep the programme running smoothly by maintaining key databases and information systems, supporting field activities, and ensuring programme data is accurate and accessible.

If you’re passionate about conservation, enjoy working with people from all walks of life, and want to make a meaningful contribution to protecting one of Northland’s most significant natural assets, we’d love to hear from you.

He kōrero mōu / About you

We are looking for someone who can bring the following skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience to our diverse team: 

• A tertiary qualification in education, biosecurity, agriculture, horticulture, forestry or similar. 
• An understanding of kauri dieback and kauri protection. 
• Minimum two years’ experience in a similar or related role such as engagement planning or event management, or ideally with local government experience.
• Strong data management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate information and systems. Experience using SharePoint would be an advantage.
• Experience planning and delivering community or stakeholder engagement.
• Strong relationship-management skills, particularly with iwi and hapū.
• Previous experience in GIS mapping.
• Previous experience working with rural and lifestyle communities.
• Sound understanding of Māori culture or familiarity with Te reo and tikanga.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft applications especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Regional Council roles and responsibilities under the Local Government Act, the Biosecurity Act, the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act and the Resource Management Act.
• Current full drivers’ license.

We understand that sometimes the right person doesn't ‘tick all the boxes'. If you feel that you have something to offer, but may not fully meet all the job criteria described, please don’t hesitate to apply, and we’ll consider all your talents.
 
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 Biosecurity Manager – Partnerships, Dai Morgan (daim@nrc.govt.nz). To view the job description, visit our careers site where the following link will work: JD: Biosecurity Officer - Kauri Protection

Applications close on 4 November 2026
We review applications as they are received. Apply online now, as the close date may change. Please note that we do not accept email applications.

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