Waste Minimisation Advisor

Waste Minimisation Advisor

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same.  Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC.  Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community.  All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for Waste Minimisation Advisor to join our Infrastructure and Maintenance Operations team within our Property & Infrastructure directorate in a full-time, permanent role based in Queenstown.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

As our Waste Minimisation Advisor, you'll help shape and deliver waste minimisation initiatives that create lasting environmental benefits across the Queenstown Lakes district. Working closely with communities, mana whenua, businesses, contractors and internal teams, you'll lead programmes that reduce waste, increase resource recovery and encourage sustainable behaviours across the region.

This is a varied and influential role where you'll combine community engagement, technical advice, project delivery and strategic thinking. You'll drive implementation of the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan, build meaningful partnerships, support operational waste services, and help embed waste minimisation principles into Council projects, policies and decision-making.

The role will involve:

• Lead the delivery of community-focused waste minimisation and behaviour change initiatives across the district.
• Build strong relationships with mana whenua, community groups, businesses, schools and industry partners to promote waste reduction and resource recovery outcomes.
• Provide technical advice and expertise on waste minimisation, resource recovery systems and best-practice waste management approaches.
• Develop and deliver education campaigns, workshops and communication initiatives that inspire positive environmental behaviours.
• Manage waste minimisation funding programmes, monitor outcomes and support projects that drive measurable community impact.
• Work across Council to integrate waste minimisation principles into projects, operations, procurement activities and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on programme performance, preparing insights and recommendations for management, Council and key stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategies, policies, bylaws and regional initiatives that support long-term waste minimisation outcomes for the district.

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

You'll be a confident communicator who enjoys building relationships, influencing outcomes, and working with a wide range of stakeholders. With strong analytical and communication skills, you'll be comfortable presenting information, developing business cases and reports, and translating complex information into practical, actionable advice.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A tertiary bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related discipline.
• 5-6 years' experience in a multi-disciplinary environment, advocating for change at both a senior and technical level.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong presentation, facilitation and communication skills, with confidence engaging groups and delivering training or workshops.
• Excellent report writing, analytical and data interpretation skills, with the ability to provide clear recommendations.
• A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• A current NZ drivers license.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Myles Manihera, Operations and Contracts Manager (Solid Waste) at [email protected]

Applications close: 8th October 2026.

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.