Do others describe you as a natural team leader?
Are you an engaging communicator?
Are you looking for a role that has a real influence on the environment?
About the organisation
At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), their mission is ‘for our future’. ORC is here to protect and enhance the environment and enable their communities to do the same. To be sure ORC can deliver on its responsibilities, they are evolving as an organisation, and they’re not overstating when they say they have some really big targets to reach. ORC need the right people, in the right roles, to help them get there.
Otago is a pretty special environment and ORC are committed to working with their communities to ensure it stays that way now, and for the future. With a number of challenges on the horizon - freshwater, climate change, biodiversity and urban development – the Science Team at ORC play a critical role in providing scientific expertise to inform decisions particularly with regard to natural resource management.
About the opportunity
The purpose of the Team Leader position is to lead a team of scientists and the associated research programmes, establishing research priorities, tasks and resources for existing projects, and developing and implementing new research projects. The Team Leader will have knowledge of research project design, data analysis, interpretation and communication of scientific results. The Team Leader will foster strong relationships with internal and external partners to deliver scientific and environmental impact. Importantly, the Team Leader will be leading a valued team of scientists tasked with delivering technical knowledge that informs resource management decisions for Otago’s future. Technical knowledge of the research area is therefore required for this role.
Reporting to the Manager Science, the Team Leader Biodiversity takes overall accountability for:
Actively contributing to Council’s freshwater, land use, biodiversity and climate change initiatives
Contributing at a strategic level to the development and management of environmental monitoring, data management, policy planning and research implementation
Actively establishing networks and staying informed on community, regional and national biodiveristy issues as well as keeping abreast of relevant legislation and regulations
This role needs a true leader who can quickly build trust, is willing to learn and understands the importance of working collaboratively. Is this you?
About you
To be successful in this role, you will ideally:
Have knowledge of indigenous biodiversity values and taonga species, conservation and restoration practices
Have knowledge of biosecurity initiatives and pest management
Have an understanding of resource management issues and practices
Have an understanding and appreciation for Ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea)
Have a proven track record in defining information needs, planning and developing user-oriented reports
Have at least five years’ experience as an effective leader demonstrated by a team that delivers high-quality outcomes in a timely manner
Be an exceptional communicator who will inspire, understand and connect with their team and communities
Have experience in effectively managing complex (multi-disciplinary, multi-agency and multi-objective) technical projects
Be an active team leader who knows how to harness the best from your team through education and mentoring
While your knowledge of the relevant legislation will be critical, ORC are willing to invest time in the right person to develop your technical knowledge, building on your established investigative, evidence gathering, assessment and analytical skills to apply professional judgments and ensure consistent decision making. This is a busy, fast-paced environment where you will need to be driven, adaptable, innovative, resilient, and have a desire to think outside the box to guide your team through changes and challenges to create a truly rewarding workplace.
If you have a genuine passion for applied research programmes and a drive to ensure delivery to a high standard, on-time and on-budget, then we want to hear from you.
Not quite for you?Some other Otago Regional Council positions are COMING SOON so please make contact with the consultant below.
How to apply
To apply, or for a copy of the position description, visit the Decipher Group website on https://www.deciphergroup.co.nz/current-vacancies/Team-Leader-Biodiversity
To discover more about Otago Regional Council, visit https://www.orc.govt.nz/
For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Pia Warren on 027 2535 203 or by email to **********
Applications close: Monday 3 August 2020
