The West Coast Region (Te Kaunihera Whakakotahi o Te Tai Poutini) extends over a distance of 600 km from Kahurangi Point in the north to Awarua Point in the south. The fifth largest region in New Zealand, it is bounded in the east by the Southern Alps and in the west by the Tasman Sea. Nature has endowed the Region with a spectacular environment, with over 80 per cent of the land area under Department of Conservation stewardship.
Within this vast natural setting, the West Coast Regional Council plays a pivotal role in managing the environment from an economic, social, cultural and sustainability perspective. This ensures the community and its future generations will continue to appreciate the work opportunities, environment, spectacular outdoors and life balance offered in this stunning part of New Zealand.
Job Description
The purpose of this role is to support the coordination, investigation, analysis, and strategic management of natural hazards and multi-hazard risks across the West Coast region. The Natural Hazards Analyst provides scientific input and technical advice, ensuring the most current and defensible hazard information is used to support community safety, emergency preparedness, resilience planning, and informed decision-making across Council functions.
The role supports innovation in hazard monitoring and analysis, as well as collaborative partnerships with iwi, territorial authorities, and scientific agencies, and ensures hazard information is accessible and well-communicated to stakeholders and the wider community.
This includes integration of hazard risk insights into statutory planning, emergency management, and infrastructure decisions, contributing to a resilient and well-informed West Coast community.
Key Accountabilities:
Hazard Information Planning and Reporting
Hazard Analysis and Technical Advice
Team Collaboration and Hazard Risk Assessment
Relationship Management and Community Engagement
Desired Skills and Experience
Required:
A tertiary qualification in earth science, environmental science, engineering, resource planning, or a closely related discipline
Minimum of two (2) years post-qualification experience in natural hazards assessment, risk analysis, or resilience planning.
Proven ability to lead hazard investigations and deliver technically robust risk assessments.
Success in communicating complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Desirable:
Experience in local government, central government, or a similar public sector environment.
Familiarity with relevant New Zealand legislation (RMA, NBA, CDEM Act) and national policy frameworks.
Experience applying hazard and risk information to statutory planning, infrastructure decision-making, and emergency management.
Experience with climate change risk assessment and adaptation planning.
Proficiency in geospatial data analysis and interpretation (e.g. GIS, LiDAR, DEM analysis).
