Lead the care and restoration of Napier’s urban waterways — where environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and resilient water systems come together.

Napier’s urban waterways are critical assets that protect our community, support biodiversity, and enhance the way we live. We’re seeking an experienced professional to lead their care — someone with an environmental background or experience maintaining open spaces, combined with strong operational coordination skills. As we transition towards Local Water Done Well, you’ll play a key role in creating and managing work schedules for our waterway assets, ensuring service levels are met and that our waterways remain safe for the community, fauna, and flora. If you’re passionate about practical delivery, ecological outcomes, and building collaborative partnerships, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

As the Urban Waterways Lead, you’ll coordinate day-to-day maintenance and improvement works across our open waterway network, while also supporting long-term restoration and water quality enhancement initiatives. This role balances hands-on oversight with the opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and community-focused environmental outcomes.

You’ll work closely with internal teams, contractors, iwi partners, and community groups — ensuring that our waterways are cared for in a way that reflects cultural values, local knowledge, and environmental best practice.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Oversee the operational delivery and maintenance of Napier’s open waterways, ensuring environmental, hydraulic, and safety standards are met.
• Develop and manage work schedules, contracts, and service levels to support the care and performance of waterway assets.
• Support ecological restoration and stormwater quality improvement projects, including wetland and riparian enhancement.
• Build collaborative working relationships with contractors, council teams, iwi partners, regulators, and community stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on waterway condition and performance to inform planning, investment, and long-term asset management.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• A relevant trade qualification or diploma in environmental management, water resources, ecology, infrastructure operations, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong practical understanding of waterway systems, environmental performance, and field-based operational delivery.
• Confident coordinating contractors and suppliers, and skilled in building constructive relationships across teams and communities.
• Organised, adaptable, and solutions-focused — able to manage day-to-day activity while contributing to longer-term environmental direction.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years service
• Discounted Health Insurance Work Scheme + Eye Test Subsidy
• Retailer Discounts + Study assistance
• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)
• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club
• Free flu vaccinations (annual)
• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka
• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a permanent, full time position working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. You will be based in Napier.

The annual salary package for this role is between $105,700-$124,300 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience.

Applications for this role close on 10 December 2025, however due to the highly competitive employment market we will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person. Please do not delay in making your application.

Kia mōhio mai - Please note

Napier City Council is moving toward a joint regional water entity under the Local Water Done Well reform. This means future changes to how water services are governed and delivered are likely, including potential shifts in organisational structure, reporting lines, and regional collaboration. Applicants should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and open to evolving responsibilities as part of a larger, regional approach to water management.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening & drug testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Urban Waterways Lead