Natural Hazards Planning Specialist

Help shape a more resilient future for the Waikato District.

Natural hazards and climate change are among the most significant challenges facing communities today. At Waikato District Council, we're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Natural Hazards Planning Specialist to lead how we identify, assess and manage natural hazard and climate risks across our district

The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, guide long-term investment priorities, and help protect our people, places and infrastructure for generations to come. Working across the organisation and with key external partners, you'll play a pivotal role in building resilience and ensuring we make informed, evidence-based decisions in an increasingly complex environment.

What will I do?

Reporting to the Head of Asset, Planning and Capital Delivery, you'll lead the development and continuous improvement of Council's district-wide natural hazards and climate risk management framework. You'll provide expert technical advice, oversee hazard and climate risk data, coordinate emerging risk responses, and support strategic planning across infrastructure, asset management, growth and land use decision-making.

• Leading Council's natural hazards and climate risk management framework and work programme.
• Providing expert planning and risk advice across Asset Management, Infrastructure Strategy, Growth Planning and Emergency Management activities
• Overseeing hazard and climate risk datasets, mapping, modelling and technical evidence.
• Coordinating specialist investigations, peer reviews and technical assessments.
• Developing monitoring, reporting and escalation processes for emerging and significant risks.
• Building strong partnerships with iwi, regulators, government agencies, infrastructure providers and communities.
• Preparing quality reports and recommendations for senior leaders and elected members.

What will I bring?

You'll be a strategic thinker with a strong technical foundation and the ability to translate complex information into practical, impactful solutions.

• A relevant tertiary qualification in natural hazards, environmental science, geography, geology, engineering, planning, climate adaptation, risk management or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in natural hazards, environmental or infrastructure planning, resilience, climate adaptation, emergency management, local government or a related field.
• Strong understanding of natural hazard processes, risk assessment and resilience planning.
• Experience leading complex programmes and influencing decisions across multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.
• Sound judgement, political awareness and confidence to provide advice on complex and sensitive issues.

Professional memberships such as NZPI, Engineering New Zealand, or recognised risk, emergency management or project management credentials will be highly regarded.

Why join our team?

This is your chance to make a meaningful impact across one of New Zealand's fastest-growing districts while helping shape how we respond to natural hazards and climate change into the future.

You'll work alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to protecting our district, supporting community wellbeing, and preparing for future challenges.

We are at an exciting stage of our journey and are continuing to progress through a significant organisational transformation that is helping shape our future.

Additional Information

Salary circa $115K dependent on skills and experience.

Waikato District Council offers a range of benefits to employees:

• Enjoy free parking.
• Make work, work for you with flexible working options.
• Benefit from annual performance and remuneration reviews.
• Access subsidised health insurance.
• Celebrate with a day of birthday leave.
• Receive a work-life balance day every six months after your first year.
• Access confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Take advantage of our employee wellbeing programme.
• Receive free health checks, training and education at our annual Work Safe Home Safe event.
• Save with Boost discounts and special offers from New Zealand retailers and service providers.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and encourage early applications.

We have a strong safety culture and as part of this our preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment medical assessment which includes alcohol and drug testing.

To apply for this job, please go online to www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code 40089LGC.