PRINCIPAL CONSENTS ADVISOR

Waikato Regional Council

Hamilton
Permanent
Full-time

9 days ago

Job Description:Are you an experienced RMA practitioner who enjoys processing complex resource consent applications and overseeing specialist projects?Do you enjoy working with a range of stakeholders?Does the flexibility of being able to work from the office and your home appeal to you?Is the prospect of up to 5 weeks paid leave annually appealing?Would you like to work for a Regional Council that covers one of the largest geographical areas in the country – ranging from the West Coast to the East Coast, from the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, through lakes and river valleys, farmland, geothermal fields to the sea?If this sounds like you then read on!Mō te tīma | About the teamOur team, the Regional Consents Section, is responsible for processing environmental resource consents and consent monitoring within the Waikato Region. We process and monitor consents for a wide range of sectors (industry, farming, mining, quarrying, water takes, land development, renewable energy, wastewater). We have a large number of fast track applications listed for the region, and a raft of parties seeking referral applications. We have changes to the Waikato Regional Plan that will generate new consenting services for many of our farmers that will need implementation soon as well as the decisions version of the new Coastal Plan coming into effect shortly.We are a high performing and supportive team, and collectively hold a wide and varied range of technical expertise. We have a keen focus on working with our customers to enable positive benefits for the region. It is an exciting time to be part of a dynamic regulatory environment, be part of a highly experienced leadership team, and to play a prominent role in the region’s future.Mō te tūranga | About the roleWaikato Regional Council is looking for new two Principal Advisors to:

Process high profile and controversial resource consent applications, including Fast Track resource consent applications and potentially provision of evidence at the Environment Court
Manage and oversee the implementation of new regional provisions and legislative changes.
Provide expert advice in consenting and technical resource management areas of expertise, as well as to provide technical support, mentoring and guidance to staff
Develop solutions to often complex problems requiring a complete understanding of practices, techniques, concepts and theoretical principles of RMA and Council’s policies and rules
Be an active member of a highly experienced leadership team
Work within a high performing and supportive team culture

Mō te tangata | About you

Tackling complex and novel resource use problems
Looking for innovative solutions to problems
Being a key advisor to Manager and Team Leaders
Mentoring less experienced staff
Finding ways to work more efficiently
Trouble shooting
Engaging your exceptional judgement and risk radar

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

Ten years’ applied experience working with the Resource Management Act
Tertiary qualification in resource management or environmental science
An understanding of Te Ao Māori
Proven knowledge of all facets of the consent process.

Desirable:

Current MfE ‘Making Good Decisions’ Hearing Commissioner certification
Experience in presenting evidence to Hearings and/or the Environment Court
Ability to mentor new and developing staff
Experience in local government

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 14 September 2025.
For a copy of the role description, please

. * If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf. Apply now!

Waikato Regional Council

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