Head of Science, Climate and Environmental Policy

Shaping our Future | Kōmiria te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life.

You’ll be part of a new integrated unit bringing science, environmental policy, planning and climate resilience together, so robust evidence and practical, cost-effective choices shape Nelson’s future.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is a rare chance to establish and shape a new business unit. As Head of Science, Climate & Environmental Policy, you’ll lead our new Science & Environmental Policy unit, reporting to the Executive Director Strategy & Planning and joining the Senior Leadership Team. You’ll provide integrated leadership across Council’s policy planning, science and climate functions, making sure scientific evidence, policy frameworks and planning decisions are connected, practical and aligned with Council priorities. You’ll give clear, trusted advice to leaders, elected members and stakeholders. As part of our Shaping our Future programme, you’ll bring teams together, building a shared purpose, ways of working and culture.

You will

• Hold Senior Leadership Team responsibility for environmental management, planning and climate change, giving them a consistent and pragmatic voice in decision-making
• Lead a change programme toward evidence-based, well-targeted and affordable environmental management
• Apply an economic lens across work programmes so environmental interventions are realistically costed and deliver clear value
• Champion Council’s contribution to regional work programmes and partnerships, including co-funding and shared risk
• Work with iwi, partner agencies and others to lead, co-design and co-fund where they are best placed to do so
• Set a coherent, pragmatic direction for environmental policy, planning and science, aligned with legislation and community outcomes
• Integrate scientific evidence, climate change response and planning frameworks to support informed, future-focused decisions
• Provide strategic and technical advice to elected members and senior leaders on environmental management, growth and policy
• Oversee statutory plans, environmental policy frameworks and long-term planning processes
• Ensure effective environmental monitoring, data collection and reporting
• Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team across policy, planning, science and climate
• Manage budgets, resources and performance, driving continuous improvement

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’re an experienced senior leader who can build a new team and lead people confidently through change. You bring strong strategic judgement, including knowing when Council should lead, partner or support others, and you’re comfortable maintaining clear direction while legislative and organisational settings shift. You’re confident in a politically aware, publicly accountable environment and can turn complex technical and scientific information into clear advice for any audience.

You will bring

• Senior leadership experience across environmental policy, planning, science or climate change, ideally in local or central government
• A deep understanding of resource management legislation, environmental law and local government responsibilities, including the current RMA reform environment
• Sound science literacy and experience integrating monitoring, data and evidence into policy and decision-making
• Proven experience leading cultural and organisational change and building trust, capability and cohesion in multidisciplinary teams
• Experience designing and transitioning to new delivery models, including partnership-based, co-funded and shared service approaches
• The ability to apply an economic and investment lens to environmental work programmes
• Skill in building genuine partnerships with iwi, regional councils, central government and other partners
• A relevant degree in environmental science, environmental management, planning, public policy or a related discipline

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

Supportive, empowering leadership that backs you to do your best work

Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives

Fully subsidised health insurance

Generous leave provisions

Learning and professional development opportunities

A range of employee benefits and discounts

Meaningful work that shapes our community’s future

Mountains, beaches and national parks on your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Midnight on Wednesday 4 November 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to our People & Capability team on [email protected].