Senior Plant Pathogens Advisor

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Auckland Council’s Environmental Services team is seeking a Senior Plant Pathogens Advisor to lead efforts in managing the spread of harmful plant pathogens, with a particular focus on kauri dieback. In this role, you’ll drive best practices, collaborate with stakeholders, and provide specialist advice to protect our region’s unique biodiversity.

This is a fixed term opportunity until December 2025

In this role you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of biosecurity strategies and provide technical advice to the council family, community groups, and mana whenua
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, local boards, and other stakeholders
• Mentor and support staff, contributing to their professional growth
• Support the Kauri Dieback Team Manager and act on their behalf when needed.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:

• Developing and auditing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Implementing the Regional Pest Management Plan.
• Managing surveillance, pathway management, and compliance activities.
• Organizing and participating in cross-council working groups and forums.
• Delivering training and raising awareness of biosecurity practices.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are:

• A skilled communicator and relationship builder.
• Experienced in biosecurity, biodiversity, or conservation.
• Passionate about protecting Auckland’s natural environment.
• Culturally aware, with a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori principles.

We are looking for someone with:

• A bachelor’s degree in ecology, biosecurity, or a related field, or equivalent experience (ideally 10+ years).
• Project Management and project management systems experience.
• Knowledge of procurement, financial forecasting and month end reporting highly desirable
• At least 7 years of experience in biosecurity or conservation.
• A good understanding of kauri dieback and other plant pathogens.
• Experience working with landowners, community groups, and Māori.
• A full and clean NZ Drivers' License

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.7 million people. We are progressive socially, culturally and environmentally while we work towards creating change having an impact on our journey to becoming a world-class city for our ratepayers and residents.

In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment. 

You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts!
 

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team!
 

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.
 

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

You can find the position description here

Applications close Thursday, 19th June 2025

Please note: 

• Qualification Checks will be conducted along with other relevant pre-employment checks required for employment with Auckland Council.
• This role is deemed safety sensitive and, in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug & alcohol testing.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.