More than a quarter of Environment Southland employees could be affected by a proposed restructure at the organisation.
Last Thursday, the regional council released a proposal showing 54 of 212 current roles could be disestablished or significantly changed.
The council has simultaneously proposed the creation of 59 new roles, resulting in an overall increase of five positions.
Local Democracy Reporting obtained a document released to staff which said there were "gaps in functions and capability" under the current model.
"We need to continue to be accountable to our ratepayers and a significant aspect of that is that ensuring resources are in the right place," the council said.
The department most affected under the proposal is strategy, policy and science, which risks having 22 of its 56 roles dissolved or changed.
In exchange, it is proposed the team will get 19 new positions, resulting in an overall loss of three people.
The integrated catchment management team looks to benefit the most numbers-wise, with a proposed net increase of five people.
The council has said the restructure was not a move to reduce staff numbers but would reallocate budget and roles to fill gaps in capability.
A three-week consultation will run until March 6, and a final decision will be announced on April 3.
No decisions will be made until after feedback is considered.
Thursday’s proposal marks the second phase of restructure, which began last year with upper management.
Emergency management roles will not be affected by the proposed changes.
Environment Southland has been approached for comment.
— LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
