This role sits within the Strategy, Growth and Planning Group who ensure we have long-term guardianship of strategic planning and development. They make decisions in the best interests of our city and our region (with a boundaryless view) and create inter-generational and environmental sustainability.

Our job is looking ahead for the future of our city.

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

In this role you will join the Urban and Spatial Planning Team. Reporting to the team leader you will play a pivotal role within the unit by providing technical leadership and being a first point of call to other members of the team for technical guidance, direction, and support. 

You will provide professional and technical advice to Council, the Community and development industry on Resource Management matters to facilitate planned and sustainable growth both within the city and in neighbouring Districts. 

Some of the key outcomes for this role include: 

• Taking a leading role in Hamilton becoming New Zealand’s leading metropolitan centre.  
• Work to be a part of a team leading the development of national direction around improving biodiversity, climate resilience, housing supply, and delivering mode shift. 
• Provide key contributions to the development of new structure plans, areas plans, spatial plans and place making initiatives.  
• Assist in the preparation of variations/plan changes through consultation, submissions and hearings and Environment Court processes.  
• Promote public knowledge of and information about the District Plan, and provide advice, guidance, and assistance to members of the public. 
• Mentoring, supporting, and providing of technical guidance to other planners within the unit. 
• The participation in and where appropriate leading cross organisational projects.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or resource management, or equivalent tertiary qualification.  
• Full NZPI membership or ability to become a full member.  
• A minimum of 7 years post qualification experience in planning/resource management within NZ (RMA).  
• Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to local government administration and resource   management, including the Resource Management Act 1991 and ability to interpret legislation to determine planning and enforcement processes.  
• Knowledge of the practice and principals involved in Urban Design.  
• Good level of problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills and seeks guidance on more complex matters.  
• Good interpersonal, relationship and influencing skills.  
• Ability to organise workload effectively to meet deadlines.  
• Experience in providing expert evidence in court processes.  
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills for dealing with colleagues, clients, the general public, and Councillors, skilled in conveying technical information.  
• Proven analytical skills and attention to detail.  
• Able to provide concise, accurate information with a high attention to detail.  
• Computer literacy to enable effective production of reports, monitoring and statistical information, and information access.  
• Current full NZ driver’s license. 

The organisation has a strong sense of community in working towards a common goal. Small teams allow a high level of mentoring and support and a good working environment that supports professional growth and personal wellbeing. 

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Salary is dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 27/06/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.