New Plymouth District Council

  • Posted: 16 Jan 2025
  • Location: New Plymouth
  • Work Type: Full Time
  • Classification: Government & council
Join us at New Plymouth District Council!

Tūhono mai ki Te Kaunihera-ā-Rohe o Ngāmotu!

Who are we? - Ko wai mātou?

New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here. We are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are committed to fostering partnerships that respect and celebrate our district's rich cultural heritage. Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, we aim to deliver exceptional services and initiatives that support our vision of building a thriving, connected, and future-focused district. At NPDC, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic organisation that values people, creativity, and progress.

The opportunity - Te Āheinga

As a result of NPDC's Organisation Transformation Review, a number of new teams and roles have been created, including the Project Management Office (PMO). NPDC has over $1B of capital projects to deliver over the next decade and the PMO plays a crucial role in delivering this significant investment efficiently and effectively for our community.

We are looking for a tertiary qualified professional for the newly created Projects Resource Consent Advisor role.

Reporting to the Major Projects and Planning Manager, the Projects Resource Consent Advisor is to provide high-quality planning advice and coordination of key activities to support NPDC project planning.

This will have a primary focus on advising on the need for resource consents and then preparing (or managing an external supplier) the consent application to ensure planned works have approved consents and other legal access approved prior to any works commencing.

Key responsibilities - Ngā Haepapa Matua:

- Provide timely and practical advice and assistance to business units and stakeholders on resource management issues
- Provide specialist advice relating to RMA compliance/approvals and environmental initiatives including scoping, obtaining approvals, procurement, implementing, monitoring, auditing, and documenting
- Determine which projects would trigger a consent by undertaking a due diligence of relevant statutory planning documents and any other consent requirements
- Identify hapū affected and liaise with them to provide an overview of forthcoming projects which will require engagement to understand their capacity and timeframes
- Lead and co-ordinate pre-application processes with Council's regulatory team
- Submit and manage all aspects of the resource consent process including attending hearings as required. This could be done directly by this role, or through procuring and managing an external planning consultant
- Identify the need for and then, procure, coordinate, manage, and review technical documentation (e.g. assessment of environmental effects, landscape and visual, geotechnical, etc)
- Support stakeholder and community engagement, and partnering activities with Mana Whenua around draft consent conditions and any cultural considerations
- Obtaining permits such as Wildlife Act Permits

Desirable:

- Experience working in a complex public facing environment with working knowledge of Local Government legislation

Essential skills and experience - Ngā Pūkenga Me Ngā Wheako

You will hold a relevant degree or postgraduate degree in fields such as Resource Management, Surveying, Law, Geography, or similar.

You will also have the following:

- Advanced understanding of legislation and policy that relates to the Resource Management Act
- A thorough understanding of issues relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and its application to the work of government agencies, and land heritage as well as an understanding of the Māori language and culture
- Ability to recognise key political and other factors that may impact working relationships and deal with these sensitively and strategically
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to lead cooperative efforts and influence and negotiate to achieve positive outcomes

Why Taranaki? - He aha ai a Taranaki?

Taranaki is a region like no other, offering a perfect balance of career opportunities and lifestyle. Nestled between the stunning Mounga Taranaki and the sparkling Tasman Sea, it's a place where you can explore world-class hiking trails, surf pristine beaches, and enjoy vibrant arts and culture, all within minutes of each other. The region boasts affordable living, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a bit of both, Taranaki provides an unparalleled quality of life that will make every day feel extraordinary.

What we offer - Ngā Ratonga

At New Plymouth District Council, we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff.

This includes the following:

- Solid career pathways
- Learning and development opportunities
- Personal and professional growth
- 'Our Peoples Package' that spans wellbeing, development, benefits, culture, and recognition.

You can expect to start in this permanent, full-time role with a salary of between $103,138 and $111,159.

Why join us? - He Aha ai Kia Tūhono Mai?

We value the wellbeing of our team and provide an inclusive workplace that recognises and rewards your contributions. Together, we're building a better New Plymouth - one step at a time.

Applications close on Friday, 7 February 2025.

Be part of a council that values people, culture, and opportunity.

Apply now and help us shape the future of New Plymouth!

Kia tūhono mai koe ki te āwhina ki te whakatipu i te anamata o Ngāmotu!