Senior Consent Planner - Natural Resources

Richmond, New Zealand

Reference: 6909830

Are you an experienced planner ready to take the lead on complex resource management challenges? Do you thrive on providing expert advice, mentoring others, and influencing meaningful environmental outcomes? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

What's in it for you

A 7% generous benefits scheme with options for additional annual leave, additional employer Kiwisaver contributions, contributions to a superannuation scheme, cash allowance and more…

In addition we offer:

  • health insurance
  • a day off for your birthday
  • hybrid working options available
  • relocation assistance if moving into the district
  • and more…

What you'll be doing

In this role you'll lead the processing of complex resource consent applications as well as providing advanced technical advice to colleagues, stakeholders and the public. You will also prepare and present expert reports for hearings and court processes. Key to this role is mentoring and coaching planners supporting capability growth across the team. You'll act as a senior escalation point and at times, supporting leadership coverage when required.

About you

You're a confident and capable planning professional who enjoys solving complex problems and working collaboratively. You bring both technical depth and a people-focused approach.

You'll also have:

  • Experience in water, wastewater, stormwater, earthworks, river works, coastal works and air discharges (not all are necessary)
  • A degree in planning, resource management, science, or a related field
  • At least 8 years' relevant experience, ideally in natural resources or local government
  • Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act and consent processes
  • Proven ability to manage complex projects and stakeholder relationships
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A passion for mentoring and developing others

Why join us?

You'll be part of a team committed to delivering positive environmental and community outcomes. We value innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we support our people to grow and succeed.

In return, you'll enjoy:

  • A meaningful role with real impact on environmental outcomes
  • Opportunities to lead, mentor, and shape best practice
  • A supportive, collaborative team culture
  • Ongoing professional development
  • The chance to contribute to a thriving, resilient region

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now and help shape sustainable outcomes for our communities and environment.

To download the PD, and to apply for this role go to: https://careers.tasman.govt.nz/Vacancies and enter Ref 6909830

Applications close 24 July 2026

For more information contact the People and Wellbeing Team on 03 543 8988.


Applications Close: 24 Jul 2026

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What to expect after you apply

Once the vacancy closes you'll be contacted within 7 days as to whether or not your application has been successful.  If you've been shortlisted for an interview, you'll be contacted by one of the People & Wellbeing team to arrange a time to come in and meet with some of the team. 

We typically only do one interview, however depending on the seniority of the role or the role itself, we sometimes require two interviews.  For mid-senior level and team leader/manager roles, you may also be required to undertake psychometric testing.

In your interview, there will be a member of the People & Wellbeing team, the Hiring Manager and either their Manager or one of the senior member's of their team.  Our interview questions are predominantly behavioural and skills-based.

Summer Student Internships

Every year we employ a number of Summer Students across the Council to work for a period of 12-16 weeks over the summer months (mid-November to February). This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study, advertising begins early July, All applications are to be submitted via our website in July.

We typically have vacancies in Engineering, Environmental Information (Hydrology, Resource Science and Biosecurity), Information Services and Regulatory (Compliance Monitoring).

If you're an Engineering student interested in a Rivers Engineering career/Summer Student position, check out this website for more information - Careers | Resilient River Communities - Careers | Resilient River Communities (resilientrivers.nz).