Environmental Planner

Marlborough District Council; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 96,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life and income protection insurance

Health insurance

Enhanced leave and superannuation

Relocation support (where applicable)

EAP / wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Marlborough District Council is seeking a skilled planner to process and report on resource consent applications, ensuring developments align with Marlborough's environmental aims.

You will coordinate development applications, attend hearings, and provide evidence-based planning advice while working closely with iwi, applicants, consultants and internal teams to protect the region’s unique environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Environmental Management or related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound understanding of resource management principles.

Responsibilities

• Assess, process and report on a wide range of resource consent applications.
• Prepare planning reports and provide recommendations under the Resource Management Act.
• Coordinate and monitor development applications to ensure consent conditions are met.
• Attend hearings and provide professional planning advice and evidence.
• Undertake site visits to assess environmental effects and monitor compliance with consent conditions.
• Investigate complaints and undertake enforcement actions where necessary.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Resource Management or Environmental Planning/Management

Job description

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Marlborough District Council – Blenheim, South Island

Reporting to the Resource Consents Manager, this role is responsible for processing and reporting on resource consent applications to ensure development and activities within Marlborough are provided for in an environmentally sustainable manner. You will play an important role in balancing growth and development with the protection of Marlborough's unique natural environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess, process and report on a wide range of resource consent applications
• Prepare planning reports and provide recommendations within the framework of the Resource Management Act
• Coordinate and monitor development applications to ensure consent conditions are met
• Attend hearings and provide professional planning advice and evidence
• Act as an expert witness where required, including Environment Court proceedings
• Undertake site visits to assess environmental effects and monitor compliance with consent conditions
• Investigate complaints and undertake enforcement actions where necessary
• Respond to public enquiries and provide education on environmental planning matters and legislation
• Work collaboratively with iwi, applicants, consultants, stakeholders, and internal Council teams
• Contribute to Council's environmental monitoring, policy development, and continuous improvement initiatives

We’re committed to building an inclusive, respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome people from all backgrounds and support equitable opportunities, open-minded collaboration, and the growth of cultural understanding.

To enable our people to succeed and make an impact, we offer:

• Life and income protection insurance, health insurance, enhanced leave and superannuation (conditions apply); and relocation support where applicable
• A Salary range of $96,000 to $107,000 per annum FTE (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer)
• Strong health, safety and wellbeing focussed culture
• EAP support, wellness initiatives and access to Marlborough Chamber of Commerce retail discounts
• Meaningful work that supports our people and community.
  

We're interested in hearing from both experienced planners and emerging professionals looking to grow their careers.

To be successful, you will have:

• A degree in Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Environmental Management, or a related discipline
• A sound understanding of resource management and environmental planning principles
• Knowledge of, or ideally experience working under the Resource Management Act within a council or planning consultancy environment
• Ability to identify environmental issues and relate to statutory controls then formulate solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Sound analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to a supportive team environment

Applicants with significant planning experience, including processing notified applications, attending hearings, and presenting evidence, are encouraged to apply.

Marlborough District Council is a dynamic, progressive organisation which prides itself on the professionalism it brings to managing a wide range of functions. Our vision is that over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for its quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.

Marlborough is unique for many reasons. The region offers an array of outdoor pursuits in a distinctive and picturesque landscape. With the Marlborough Sounds, the land and sea offer unlimited accessibility for sport and leisure.

Applications close 5.00 pm on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

We’re committed to ensuring our team goes home safe every day. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks to the employer’s satisfaction. These checks may include, but are not limited to, a criminal history check, confirmation of the right to work in New Zealand, and drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive roles.