• Well respected organisation with a strong employment brand
• Responsible for the delivery of the HSW strategy for the Organisation
• Work with a positive and energetic team

Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury governs the largest region in the South Island, with its area of jurisdiction comprising all river catchments on the east coast of the South Island from the Clarence River, north of Kaikoura, to the Waitaki River in South Canterbury.

The region includes the Canterbury Plains, North and South Canterbury and the major braided rivers of the South Island.

With a vision and purpose of “Taking action together to shape a thriving and resilient Waitaha / Canterbury, now and for future generations”, Environment Canterbury is responsible for managing the region’s natural resources – the air, soil, water, and the impact of land use on the environment.

Aronga | About The Role

Reporting to the General Manager Corporate Services, the Health Safety and Wellbeing Manager is responsible for driving the Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) strategy for the Organisation. 

While work has recently been undertaken to  refresh the HSW critical risk framework, this role will take the existing framework and  lead the work to embed it, so that HSW is considered as part of everyday operational activities.  The objective is to have an engaged safety-first organisation with open and transparent health and safety reporting.

From a Wellbeing perspective, there are currently a number of initiatives in place, however, a refreshed and cohesive Wellbeing framework is needed.  

With approximately 12 locations across the greater Canterbury region and a wide range of operational duties across the region, the role is varied and technically challenging.

The HSW Manager is supported by a team of 4 direct reports.  Described as a self-sufficient and inclusive team, the HSW Manager will empower their team to deliver positive advice and support to the wider Organisation.

Mātau ā-wheako | Skills & Experience

Environment Canterbury’s operations involve a broad range of activities, some of which are high risk.  This includes the use of guns, helicopters, chemical application & handling, and working at heights.  For this reason, an experienced health and safety professional who has worked within organisations involving similar high-risk activities is essential. 

In addition to this depth of experience, the successful candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Health & Safety Management (or similar)
• An advanced understanding of NZ health and safety regulation
• Significant experience developing and implementing health, safety and wellbeing policies and procedures
• The ability and desire to collaborate across the business to identify and manage risks and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Experience providing expert advice and training to support a proactive safety culture
• Experience monitoring workplace safety & health conditions, including conducting regular audits and investigations
• A proven ability to connect and influence others in order to change behaviour and improve key metrics
• Experience presenting to both senior and operational teams and working alongside cross-functional teams
• Experience managing adverse performance and events as they arise
• Experience and natural enthusiasm for mentoring and developing a team of health and safety professionals
• A HSW professional with CIMS and/or crisis management training/experience is desirable.

Environment Canterbury is currently undergoing significant transformation, so a person who is naturally open and curious, who  takes on a learner/developer mindset and understands the psychology of change is important.

Whanonga Pono | Values     

Environment Canterbury adheres to a strong set of values that underpin the way they work towards their desired outcomes. They are:

• Manaakitanga | People first – people, customers and staff come first
• Whanaungatanga | Collaboration – together works best
• Kaitiakitanga | Stewardship – good decisions today for tomorrow
• Pononga | Integrity – trust in us and our information
• Māiatanga | Can do – be brave and make it happen

Environment Canterbury’s values underpin everything they do. They understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity enables the organisation to better support its people, the community, and the environment.