Planner

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.

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service while helping shape the future of our district?

We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join our Planning Guidance team. In this pivotal role, you’ll be responsible for providing professional, customer-focused advice to applicants and stakeholders. You’ll work closely with your team to ensure accurate and timely guidance is given on the District Plan and the Resource Management Act 1991.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and make a real impact in your community.

Some of the key responsibilities for this role include:

• All resource consent applications are processed within statutory and Council policy requirements.
• Provide technical assistance as requested.
• Resolve non-compliance or conflicts by persuasion, negotiation, and mediation where possible so as to avoid need for legal procedures.
• Prepare written assessments of resource consent applications including recommendation on whether to grant or approve the consent and any proposed conditions of consent.
• Provide high quality written and verbal evidence and coordinate gathering of evidence.
• Prepare written evidence and affidavits where required.
• Provide support and assistance to Council’s internal and external urban design panel.
• Provide assistance in processing PIMs and LIMs. Check Building Consents against the District Plan where required.
• Advise Council’s Urban and Spatial Planning Unit of findings and conclusions drawn from planning experiences to assist in the revision of the District Plan.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Bachelor in Planning or Resource Management, or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Current full drivers’ licence.
• Experience in Planning and Resource Management application.
• A knowledge of related practices, including resource planning, transport planning, economic and community development, landscape/ecological design, and sustainable environment issues.
• Knowledge of the relevant legislation relating to local government administration and resource management, including the Resource Management Act 1991.
• Ability to interpret legislation to determine planning and enforcement processes.
• Process Limited and Publicly Notified consent applications.
• Provide general assistance to Intermediate and Senior Planners on special projects.
• Able to influence and encourage others behaviour and outcomes to support goals and requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills for dealing with colleagues, clients, the general public, and Councilors, skilled in conveying technical information.
• Proven analytical skills.
• Able to organise own workload effectively to meet deadlines.
• 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.
• Has commitment to providing customers with quality service.
• Relates well with all types of customers and can achieve results through co-operation.
• Results oriented and works effectively to achieve goals and targets.
• An ability to operate effectively within management, public, and political levels of the Council.
• Ability to develop and maintain rapport with stakeholders.
• Remains calm under pressure.

Additional Information

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

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.

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

Applications close on the: 15/10/2025 

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.