Compensation package and benefits
We aim to be comparable with the national Local Government total remuneration “market”. We participate in a number of salary surveys once or twice yearly in order to gather information on this “market” and other “markets” for some of the jobs that are not unique to Local Government. We review most salaries annually based on performance and also check them against the “market”.
Our practice is to pay, salary only, for those positions below the second highest level in the organisation. This gives staff flexibility to spend their remuneration as they see fit rather than give benefits they may or may not want. We do give access to a small number of superannuation schemes and pay the administration fee of those who join. There are also some group medical insurance schemes which staff can join and receive a discount. Some discounts for cash sales at other businesses are available through the Property department.
Other facilities and opportunities
Timaru and Christchurch have cafeterias. The Christchurch cafeteria sells food, has various types of coffee and other hot drinks available, a pool table and facilities to prepare, heat and refrigerate your own food. There is a fully equipped gym available for staff at no charge in the Christchurch office. At times, subsidised sessions with a personal trainer are available. At times, a small subsidy is available to Timaru staff members for gym membership.
The offices and some depots have social clubs which run subsidised events. Timaru and Christchurch offices have a number of sports teams and groups of staff competing in distance running races, fun runs and triathlons. They can apply for a subsidy from Environment Canterbury as $5000 per year is set aside to assist staff participating in community events.
* In addition, we have a comprehensive one year Graduate Development Programme, which includes monthly sessions, networking opportunities and career planning.
Training to the top
Staff are offered training opportunities via in-house courses run by external facilitators, external technical training and can be assisted with time off to attend lectures, exams and partial refunds of fees on completion of external tertiary education relevant to their position. A number of staff attend national and international conferences each year.
* A financial contribution is also provided for personal development experiences, such as Outward Bound.
Job satisfaction to the top
Most staff have a passion about the environment and often their first loyalty is working for the environment. Working at Environment Canterbury means the opportunity to work for the environment with a wide variety of highly qualified specialists who derive a high degree of intrinsic satisfaction from their work. It is an opportunity to make a difference to the quality of the environment you live in.
Working conditions
Working conditions are generally excellent with well-equipped workstations with well-supported software. Our recently refurbished Christchurch office was constructed as an example of an environmentally friendly and energy efficient building and has won national acclaim. Often, flexibility of start and finish times is available. Work-life balance is considered important and more details follow:
Work-life balance
Environment Canterbury recognises that employees with a good work-life balance will be productive employees with a commitment to the organisation. This situation is a win-win for the organisation, its employees and their families. With this in mind, Environment Canterbury has put in place the following Policies and Initiatives:
Policies
Flexible working hours
Where flexibility of working hours is requested and can be accommodated within the section and organisation, this is available.
Harassment
Environment Canterbury will not tolerate any form of harassment of its employees or customers.
Annual leave
All permanent staff accrue four weeks annual leave from commencement date.
Sick leave
Environment Canterbury allows 10 days sick leave per year, which can be accumulated to an unlimited amount. This can also be used (up to five days per annum) for caring for other sick family members.
Smoke free workplace
All Environment Canterbury properties, including vehicles, are Smoke Free areas.
Leave without pay
Applications for leave without pay for reasons of travel, secondment and other fixed term employment, etc, will be considered and may be granted.
Parental leave
This is allowed as per legislation with flexibility on the return date possible and applications for a part-time return will be considered and granted when possible.
Overtime work
Most employees are eligible for time-in-lieu and this is preferred over paid overtime. Working long hours on a long and regular basis is not expected or the norm.
Education assistance
Financial assistance and study leave is usually granted for those who wish to study part-time for relevant qualifications.
Subsidy of the participation of staff in community events
$5000 per annum is allocated for groups of staff who wish to participate in community sporting and cultural events.
Other initiatives
Alternative working arrangements
Request for short-term or permanent working arrangements will be considered and accommodated, if possible. These include:
- Job sharing
- Compressed working weeks
- Working part-time
- Working from home.
Wellness seminars/work-life balance
These are made available to staff in-house and cover stress management, fitness and health and diet.
Fitness promotion
Showers and lock-up bike sheds are provided.An in-house gym is provided for Christchurch employees with a subsidised personal fitness programme - consultants available at times. Timaru staff have a gym fee subsidy available at a local gym (special conditions apply). Hagley Park, which is an excellent running/walking venue, is close by.Free flu vaccinations each year.
Child care facilities
Two public childcare facilities are within five minutes walk of the Christchurch office.
Social club
There are Social Clubs at the Christchurch and Timaru offices and some Riverworks Depots, which hold regular subsidised social events.
Employee assistance programme
Environment Canterbury makes available, free of charge to employees and their family members, assistance with counselling by professional independent counsellors. This can be accessed 24 hours, 7 days per week for work and non-work problems of all types.
Cafeteria
A cafeteria is provided at Christchurch and Timaru to allow for informal interaction between employees at break times. Eating areas are provided at all small offices and depots.
Compassionate leave
Compassionate leave over and above that provided for by sick leave and bereavement Leave can be requested from the Chief Executive.