Senior Environmental Planner

Role Overview

As a Senior Environmental Planner at Waikato Regional Council, you will manage or prepare complex and sometimes contentious resource consent applications. Your role involves providing expert planning support within the Integrated Catchment Directorate, representing interests as an applicant, consent holder, and resource user. You will provide assessments under the Resource Management Act (RMA), Regional and District Plans, and offer expert advice to internal teams.

Occasionally, you will prepare and present evidence at consent hearings, contributing to Environment Court proceedings including mediation and caucusing. Leadership responsibilities include reviewing colleagues' work, mentoring staff, and leading team projects. Additionally, you will participate in policy development and help shape strategic directions. Building and maintaining positive relationships with Council members, resource users, community groups, and Iwi are essential.

Candidate Profile

We seek a focused, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable individual with a strong emphasis on consent processes and related policy matters within the Integrated Catchment Management directorate. The ideal candidate is a resource management leader, skilled in preparing resource consent applications, and well-versed with regional and national planning frameworks.

Strong customer orientation and a track record of achieving practical, timely solutions are required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for fostering strong positive relationships and conflict resolution. You should thrive in team environments, enjoy mentoring others, and be ready to support the Team Leader with projects and leadership duties.

Qualifications & Experience

• A tertiary qualification in science, resource management, planning, or a related field is required.
• At least five years of experience in resource management is necessary.

About the Council

Waikato Regional Council is dedicated to protecting the Waikato region's environment to benefit current and future generations through a balanced focus on environmental health, economic strength, and vibrant communities. Our work covers a diverse range of environmental areas including water, soil, air, geothermal zones, and coastlines. The Integrated Catchment Management directorate, one of the region's largest consent holders with assets valued at $1.1 billion, leads these efforts.

We collaborate closely with iwi and community partners to uphold kaitiakitanga and ensure a sustainable future that positively impacts people's lives.

Application Process

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the closing date: Sunday, 16 August 2026.
• Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter in PDF format.
• Questions about the role can be directed to human.resources@waikatoregion.govt.nz.