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Within this topic:
• Application Instructions • Current vacancies • Information for international applicants • Why work in our region
On this page:
- The Environment Waikato code
- Working at Environment Waikato
- Summer employment programme
- About our staff
- Find out more
The Environment Waikato code
Our vision
An engaged community, a healthy environment.
Our mission
We work with communities to develop ways of living that will sustain our region for generations to come.
The Environment Waikato code
We are responsible to the people of the Waikato region whose wellbeing is at the centre of all our decisions and actions.
High performance is vital to our success. Our reputation depends entirely on the individuals who work here. We support our people to carry out their work with flair. We must constantly innovate, build on our strengths and improve our knowledge, expertise and processes. We value diversity and use collective wisdom to solve problems.
The business environment for all staff is enabling, family friendly and inclusive. We share knowledge and support each other, striving to be the best we can possibly be at work, always showing respect and taking responsibility for our own actions. We enjoy each others company and have fun.
Work-life balance is a strong focus of our culture. We are mindful of the families that support us.
We make decisions about our environment and our community that will affect people for generations to come. We shall apply our professional knowledge and expertise, listen carefully to our communities and take the most effective and affordable action.
We will behave in ways that keep the publics trust and respect.
Working at Environment Waikato
Environment Waikato's workforce is highly motivated, professional and customer focused.
Team work is a key feature of our culture, with staff members working in project teams to ensure the best mix of skills and resources.
Some of the great benefits of working at Environment Waikato include:
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Summer employment programme
Each year we also offer a number of students paid employment over the summer months. Applications for the 2007/08 summer employment programme are now closed. Information regarding the 2008/09 summer employment programme will be available in mid 2008.
See current vacancies for details on current job opportunities at Environment Waikato.
About our staff
Many diverse and highly skilled people choose to work for Environment Waikato. We've profiled some of our staff members here to provide a snapshot of the range of people working at Environment Waikato, their skills and backgrounds and the types of career paths that are available.
Erin Wilson
Kaiwhakarite
Ko Tainui te Waka
Ko Waikato te Awa
Ko Maungakawa me Maungatautari nga Maunga
Ko Ngati Hauaa te Iwi
Ko Ngati Te Oro te Hapuu
Ko Raungaiti te Marae
Ko Erin Wilson toku ingoa
Consultation with local iwi is an important part of the work undertaken by Environment Waikato. Erin Wilson plays a major role in this consultation process through relationship building with iwi and gaining an understanding of iwi priorities and concerns. Erin has been involved in several key projects which range from reducing the effect of erosion and sedimentation in the Coromandel Peninsula harbours, to creating a 50 year strategic document that looks at land use and development. Erin views the relationship EW has with iwi as being vital and mutually beneficial to both parties, and says 'We (Environment Waikato) are not going out there to take from iwi. It's a two-way relationship. When we work with iwi, we try to find out what their concerns and priorities are and then work together to find solutions and ways forward."
Erin started working at Environment Waikato in 2006 after completing his law degree and being admitted to the Bar. Since then he continued to study part-time while working and graduated with a Master of Laws degree from the University of Waikato in 2007.
Erin says he appreciates working in an organisation where he feels both his work and family are valued. "Environment Waikato is so family-orientated. I took my family to an organisation-sponsored event and my whole family were made to feel really welcome … It's an awesome place to work, the work you do is valuable, I feel extremely lucky to have been employed here."
Sarah Basheer
Environmental Engineer
"I always wanted to do something for the environment and community. When I was working here as a student I became interested in the work of a Junior Engineer who worked for the River and Catchment Group and this drove me to complete my Engineering degree ".
Sarah moved from Iraq to New Zealand just over eleven years ago. She has travelled extensively, including an eight month stint living in a small village in France. Learning about other cultures and building relationships with people is something Sarah has always enjoyed. She says it is the people at Environment Waikato that make the organisation such a great place to work. "Environment Waikato is one of those working places where it's not just words. I'm proud to be working here … how can I not be working here!?"
It was while working at Environment Waikato as a student that Sarah Basheer was first inspired to pursue a career in environmental engineering. Sarah's experience working as a student involved a mixture of administrative tasks as well as work that directly related to her degree. This included modelling the movement of sediment over a long period of time and investigating the effect of deepening drains on peat subsidence. "I had a good experience working here as a student, so I knew I wanted to work here once I'd completed my degree."
Sarah has been in the role of Environmental Engineer for over a year. She has already been involved in several key projects, including the Waihou hydraulic review and flood modelling for the Tauranga-Taupo river scheme. Her day to day work involves liaising with a range of clients from large corporations to farmers responding to flood level queries and assessing the technical aspects of resource consents.
Erica Harris
Database Administrator
"I get everything I want - it's intellectually stimulating work and the hours suit me."
Born in the South Island, Erica Harris has traveled the world and studied in both New Zealand and the United States. After completing a B.Sc in Biochemistry and a BA with Honours (First Class) in Computer Science at Massey she worked in the IT industry for several years before moving to America to pursue a programme of graduate study. She finished an MS in Biochemistry at Iowa State University and came back to New Zealand in 1992 for a brief stint as a biochemist before returning to a role in IT at Environment Waikato in 1993.
As a Database Administrator Erica Harris is responsible for maintenance and development of Environment Waikato's Oracle databases. On a daily basis Erica can be found developing scripts and applications, report writing, performance tuning and trouble shooting with staff. She enjoys her work and says that Environment Waikato has supported her in keeping her skills up to date with ongoing professional development opportunities.
Erica is able to balance her work around the care of her six year old daughter by working part-time. "I took one year of maternity leave and then I returned to work part-time, Environment Waikato was very supportive of this." Having a good work/life balance is important to Erica as it enables her to spend time with her family and be involved with her local church.
Terry McDonald
Programme Manager - Property Services
"Environment Waikato is a nice place to work. I always felt they tended to put more cognizance on people than many other organisations do and recognise that staff are their biggest asset."
Originally employed as Deputy Works Supervisor at Environment Waikato's Te Aroha depot, Terry McDonald has had several career changes within the organisation, including working as Lands Supervisor facilitating acquisition of land for the Waihou Valley Scheme, and currently as Programme Manager - Property Services.
In his current role, Terry is responsible for managing staff and contractors involved in property related issues including building management and maintenance, management of flood control scheme land, insurance, and energy management. There have been huge changes in the 29 years he has been with Environment Waikato, but Terry says that he has always felt supported when accepting new responsibilities and progressing his career within the organisation. "There are lots of opportunities within the organisation and Environment Waikato encourages growth."
Terry is a keen outdoors person who enjoys walking to work and can often be found tramping in some native bush within the region or beyond. Terry says his big drive in life has always been his family and he and his wife enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. He also has a focus on community outcomes, saying "So many people at Environment Waikato are working with a positive outcome in mind for the community - it makes the work rewarding and people happy. If you work with happy, satisfied people then this becomes the culture- to get positive outcomes."
Natalie Mackenney
Learning and Development Advisor
"Environment Waikato is prepared to invest in its people. Learning and development is not just given lip service, we're given scope to develop significant training initiatives that can result in real change and growth for staff. Environment Waikato takes people initiatives and people development very seriously."
Natalie Mackenney is passionate in her commitment to staff development. Her primary focus is looking at learning and development interventions across the organisation to ensure value for money and quality outcomes. One of the projects Natalie has implemented this year has been the introduction of lunchtime information sessions for staff on topics such as mental wellness, work-life balance and parenting.
Natalie initially applied for the role at Environment Waikato as she had asked widely about the organisation and only heard good things about it's commitment to people and positive culture. Her experience in Learning and Development and keenness to help people made the decision an easy one to make. Natalie believes that Environment Waikato has lived up to its reputation and finds her role challenging and rewarding.
"I have a lot of autonomy to make decisions, I'm included in strategic decision making around learning and development and people issues. It's great to have a place at the table." These are things that Natalie values about her role and working in the HR team.
When she is not working at Environment Waikato she can be found renovating her house, exploring New Zealand and trying out the local cafes.
Kola Fatokun
Records Liaison Officer
"The communication lines are open between staff and managers and they make you have a sense of belonging. The staff are actively involved in the development and implementation of plans for the group."
Kola's work involves training new staff, providing records support to a portfolio of groups across the organisation, and assisting in various archives projects. Kola was offered the job of Records Liaison Officer after applying through the Environment Waikato website. He says, it is the friendly work setting that informs his decision of choosing Environment Waikato as his preferred workplace.
Having already attained a Masters in Political Science, a degree in Public Administration, and most recently a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management from the University of Waikato, Kola is still keen to pursue further study to enhance his knowledge. Environment Waikato's commitment to support the learning and development of employees from induction right through their career in the organisation is a value that Kola says he particularly appreciates as a new employee. "It's good the organisation have a solid staff training programme. For the first three months there was a training programme in place for me and I found this invaluable. There's always a degree of apprehension when you're a new person, but the transition has been very smooth and I'm getting settled into the system."
Phil Parkes
Programme Manager, Natural Resources
"Living in the Waikato is great; it's the kind of environment that I've always wanted to live in. I appreciate being able to work in an organisation where I'm able to help protect our natural environment and contribute to the well-being of the region."
In late 2007 Phil Parkes decided to pack up and move to New Zealand where he could enjoy the quality environment and lifestyle this country is renowned for. With only a short drive from his home in Hamilton to the beach, snow and natural bush, Phil is able to make the most of his passion for mountain biking, snow boarding, and tramping.
Phil studied at Nottingham Trent University, and graduated with an Honours Degree in Environmental Health. During his career he has gone on to complete a Masters Degree in Environmental Management and a Post-graduate Certificate in Management Studies.
British born Phil has over ten years experience working for councils in the United Kingdom. He has worked extensively in environmental protection roles looking after contaminated land, air quality, planning and resource consents. Phil's most recent role in the UK was Environmental Protection Manager at Birmingham City Council.
When applying for the role of Programme Manager Natural Resources, Phil considered more than just the skill set required to do the job. A strong motivator for him was the opportunity to join an organisation that works to protect New Zealand's natural environment. Phil manages a team of policy and senior policy advisors with responsibility for working with farmers, iwi, central and local government and other stakeholders to develop policy on air, land, water and waste.
Unsurprisingly given his role in Natural Resources, Phil is committed to taking the bus or cycling to work whenever possible. "One of the things I love about working here is that you can so easily take the bus, cycle or walk to work every day. Environment Waikato is active in supporting staff to take environmentally friendly modes of transport - we have lockable bike facilities, changing rooms and bus timetables available for all staff. These are fantastic initiatives as part of being an environmentally friendly organisation."
Junine Stewart
Group Manager, Corporate Services
"I love it when staff take the initiative. I encourage them to improve systems and processes."
Junine Stewart says that it is her ability to see opportunities to improve systems and processes that enabled her to work her way through the organisation. Junine started working at Environment Waikato in the Statutory Processes area during the regional policy statement hearings in 1995. Since then she held a number of roles in the Resource Use Group including Personal Assistant, Programme Manager, Acting Group Manager before moving into a Special Projects - Customer Service role.
In her current role as Group Manager Corporate Services, Junine manages a group of 65 people responsible for the organisation's customer support, information services and property management. As a manager, she encourages staff to take up opportunities for professional development. Having already completed a degree in History, Junine studied while working and completed a Post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies at the University of Waikato.
Junine enjoys the social aspect of working for Environment Waikato and has been involved in the production of two shows. "Producing the pantomime and Environment Waikato Idol was a great experience." Junine says that she feels very fortunate to work in an environment where the staff are professional and committed to the organisation. "If you're thinking about applying for a role here, go for it! Come here if you have a passion. If you are prepared to work hard and have fun this is the place to be."
Susan Gale
Personal Assistant to Group Manager - River and Catchment Services
"Working in River and Catchment Services is the highlight for me. Our staff are out there every day working with the people of the region, and we really kick into action when there's a hazard or event."
As Personal Assistant, Susan Gale has an active role to play in coordinating the activities of the River and Catchment Services (RCS) Group. On a daily basis she can be found organising her boss, solving issues from members of the public, or working on a project that the Group is involved in. Susan has worked for Environment Waikato for five years in a PA role.
One of the challenges of her role is keeping up to speed with all the diverse activities, different projects and priorities, Susan says that it is the variety of work and the people that she works with that makes her job interesting and enjoyable. "You can get involved in the things you are interested in. There's always plenty to do and scope to get involved with different projects."
Originally from the United Kingdom, following polytechnic, Susan began her working life as an office junior for a building contractor. She and her family emigrated to New Zealand in 1983 and she has worked largely in government departments ever since. "I love New Zealand; I love the countryside and the people, and I feel much more like a New Zealander than a Brit."
Find out more
This site lists current job vacancies at Environment Waikato. These vacancies may also be advertised in local and national newspapers.
Instructions are also available on how to apply.
Enquiries are welcomed from international applicants. However, only those applicants who have New Zealand permanent resident status or an appropriate work permit can be employed. Please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service.
