Senior Environmental Planner

Tau ake rā te moana nei, e papaki kau ana ki te ākau tangata, kakenga waka ka mauru te tohu ki te arearenga o Mauao, he pou herenga mōu, he pou hononga mōu, kia herea ki te tika, kia herea ki te pono. Kia mau, kia ita, kia ū – haumi e, hui e, tāiki e!

Te Tūranga | About the role

We’re looking for a skilled and experienced planner to step into a senior role that offers variety, challenge, and the chance to make a real impact. As a Senior Environmental Planner, you’ll use your expertise to guide complex planning decisions, mentor a talented team, and work across Council to support sustainable development in Tauranga.

You’ll play a key role in shaping how our city grows—balancing development with environmental responsibility and community wellbeing. This role is fast-paced and rewarding, giving you the opportunity to see the direct results of your work in the transformation of our city.

What you’ll be doing

• Processing complex resource consent applications and making sound recommendations
• Providing expert planning advice to internal teams and external stakeholders
• Reviewing reports and making decisions under delegation
• Leading and mentoring planners, and supporting team development
• Working across Council to support accurate, consistent planning advice and reporting
• Supporting a positive team culture and contributing to business improvement initiatives

Ngā Pukenga | What you’ll need to succeed

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• A relevant planning qualification (NZPI membership preferred)
• 5+ years of planning experience
• Strong knowledge of the Resource Management Act
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Confidence working with a wide range of people and perspectives
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for mentoring others

Tō Tātou Kaunihera | About Tauranga City Council

Tauranga City Council is one of Tauranga’s largest employers, and we are always looking to attract great talent to join our driven, passionate, and community-focused team.

We always strive to ensure that you feel valued and supported in the workplace.

To highlight that our people are our greatest asset, we offer a wide range of benefits that include 5 weeks annual leave, flexible hours and work from home options, as well as career development opportunities.

You can find out more about working at Tauranga City Council here.

Te Tukanga | How to apply

If you want to be part of an energetic, fun, and supportive team, then we'd love to hear from you. For more information, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz

Please note we will not be accepting applications via email. If you wish to apply, please click ‘Apply’ at the bottom of this page and follow the link.

We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so don’t wait—this role may be filled before the closing date. Applications officially close on Friday 10th October.

We’re committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those living with disabilities.
If you need any support or adjustments to take part in our recruitment process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruitment@tauranga.govt.nz

• You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.
• Tauranga City Council does not accept unsolicited contact or applications from recruitment agencies. We will not pay fees or commissions related to unsolicited contact.

Job Description: Senior Environmental Planner