Join our team at WAI Wānaka.
WAI Wānaka started as a group of passionate volunteers in 2016. Now, it is a bustling workplace that thrives on collaborating and connecting with others, while contributing to our vision of healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations.
People are central to us achieving our vision. We care deeply about our team and promote good wellbeing and work life balance. We offer flexibility in work schedules and work from home opportunities. Suiting family and personal commitments, as well as enabling time to enjoy the many outdoor activities the Upper Clutha provides.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Catchment Groups Lead
Help communities thrive while leading lasting freshwater change across the Upper Clutha.
Are you passionate about bringing people together to create practical environmental solutions? Do you want to support thriving rural and urban communities while helping improve the health of our freshwater ecosystems?
WAI Wānaka is a community organisation dedicated to accelerating community action for freshwater. We engage and enable our community with tools, knowledge and opportunities to move us all faster towards our vision of healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for generations to come.
We believe thriving rural and urban communities are essential to achieving long-term freshwater and environmental outcomes and work alongside landowners, farmers and communities to support positive and lasting change.
We are seeking an experienced facilitator to lead and support our network of rural catchment groups and urban action groups, helping communities turn local knowledge, science and shared aspirations into meaningful environmental action.
He angitūtanga: The opportunity
As Catchment Groups Lead, you will:
- Lead the facilitation and support of WAI Wānaka’s rural catchment groups and urban action groups.
- Build strong relationships with farmers, landowners, mana whenua, community organisations, researchers, industry partners and government agencies.
- Support communities to identify priorities, develop action plans and implement projects that improve freshwater health, biodiversity and catchment resilience.
- Lead the delivery of WAI’s Rural Programme and Catchment Extension Services Contract with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
- Coordinate workshops, field days, environmental projects and community initiatives.
- Connect communities with funding opportunities, technical expertise and delivery partners.
- Identify and develop funding and partnership opportunities that strengthen the sustainability and long-term impact of WAI Wānaka’s catchment programmes.
He kōrero mōu: About you
You are passionate about freshwater and committed to supporting rural communities to thrive. You enjoy working with people and are equally comfortable thinking strategically and delivering practical outcomes on the ground.
Ideally, you will bring:
- A tertiary qualification in the environmental or scientific field, or at least 3 years’ experience facilitating collective action supported by recognised facilitation training, such as NZIPIM Facilitation Learning and Change.
- A minimum of five years’ experience in catchment management, farmer extension programme delivery or a related field.
- Experience working with farmers, landowners, catchment groups and rural communities.
- Strong facilitation, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A track record of leading projects, programmes or community-led environmental initiatives.
- The ability to bring diverse people together around shared goals and inspire collective action.
- A strong team player who enjoys collaborating with colleagues, contributing to shared goals and supporting colleagues while working effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of urban and rural environmental issues and pressures on freshwater quality in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- A genuine commitment to WAI Wānaka’s vision and the future of the Upper Clutha environment.
At WAI Wānaka, you’ll join a passionate and dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference to freshwater and our community.
This position is ideally full-time. However, job-share opportunities (minimum of three days per week) may be considered for the right candidates, particularly those interested in focusing solely on either the rural or urban community programme.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to sarahtaylor@waiwanaka.nz by Friday, 4 September. We look forward to hearing from you.
View our upcoming volunteer events here.
