Freshwater Coordinator Horowhenua
The role
Horizons Regional Council are seeking a results-focused professional, with a passion for improving our regions freshwater.
This permanent full-time position, based in Kairanga, Palmerston North, is focused on designing and leading programmes to result in water quality improvement in the Horowhenua Freshwater Management Unit (FMU). This role is part of a high performing team, who work closely with a wide range of project partners and stakeholders across the region. This role will be mostly office based, with oversight of the weed harvesting crew dedicated to the eight-week Lake Horowhenua weed harvesting programme. You will work alongside iwi/hapū, landowners, agencies and groups to gather greater understanding of sediment and nutrient pathways and sources, then use this information to design and implement projects to improve water quality. Projects will include overseeing the development and implementation of monitoring programmes, identifying possible water quality interventions, a prioritization programme for those interventions, and finally, the implementation of interventions. Currently the largest of these projects is the Arawhata constructed wetland, which you will lead out. The role has a range of opportunities and associated challenges ranging from overseeing tight budgets and managing competing (and often conflicting) interests. Excellent communication and relationship building skills will be essential as you work with a wide range of project partners and stakeholders to deliver projects on the ground.
You will be responsible for leading a number of projects, overseeing the weed harvesting crew, managing internal and external partner and stakeholder expectations and overseeing a number of contractors. You must be able to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve practical outcomes.
Why join us?
When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:
- Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, wellness day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
- Flexible family friendly work environment.
- Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
- Working together for a better environment across our region.
- A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.
About you
It is essential that you have strong project management skills, combined with a proven track record of working alongside iwi/hapu, District Councils, landowners, and community groups. Given the importance of groundwater and the role it plays in freshwater management in the Horowhenua FMU, an understanding of groundwater processes would be an advantage. Candidates should hold a suitable Masters qualification or have relevant experience. A full drivers’ license and advanced use of GIS is essential and experience with four wheel drive vehicles is preferred. Good interpersonal, communication and organisational skills are also essential.
About us
The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. We work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.
Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 22 February 2026.
Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace so our people reflect the diversity of our region.
