River and Drainage Operations Supervisor

About the role

Environment Southland is seeking a motivated and practical professional to lead river management, flood protection and land drainage programmes across Southland’s iconic landscapes. This hands‑on position blends contractor supervision, stakeholder engagement and delivery of civil and river engineering works.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate contractors delivering river and drainage works.
• Engage with landowners, ratepayers and technical staff to plan and execute projects in complex natural environments.
• Balance flood resilience, environmental values and community expectations throughout project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards on all field activities.

Required profile

• Strong communication and relationship‑building abilities, especially with rural communities.
• Confidence in supervising contractors and managing on‑site operations.
• Full driver’s licence and willingness to work extensively in field conditions.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Experience in contract supervision for civil or environmental projects.
• Understanding of civil engineering principles and river processes.

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration ranging from $88,290 to $93,195 per year.
• Supportive team culture with opportunities for career advancement.
• Excellent work‑life balance, access to outdoor recreation and affordable living.