Senior Planner

Central Otago District Council; Alexandra; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

An active social club

Learning and development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Wellbeing programme

Additional leave

Job summary

Central Otago District Council in Alexandra is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead complex planning work and mentor staff within the Planning team. This permanent, full-time role focuses on delivering high-quality planning outcomes while balancing development with the protection of Central Otago's natural landscapes.

You will combine technical planning expertise with sound decision-making and strong client engagement to support responsible growth across the district.

Qualifications

• Experience across land use, subdivision, heritage, and industrial/commercial development matters.
• Ability to make or support planning decisions with sound judgement.
• Mentor and develop staff to strengthen team capability.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, professional advice to customers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Urban and rural land use and subdivision development oversight.
• Heritage building and precinct protection guidance.
• Industrial and commercial development project management.
• Decision-making on planning matters and mentoring staff.
• Providing practical, solutions-focused advice to customers and stakeholders.
• Support the Planning team to balance development with landscape protection.

Skills

Strong planning experience

Sound judgement

Collaborative approach

Mentor staff

Clear communication

Community-minded

Job description

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Alexandra

Job Category: Operations

Join our dynamic, solutions-focused Planning team, where we support a diverse range of customers and projects, balancing development with the protection of our unique natural landscapes. Full-time permanent role in Alexandra, leading complex planning work and mentoring staff in a supportive team.

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will play an important role in supporting high-quality planning outcomes for Central Otago. This role brings together technical planning expertise, sound decision-making and the opportunity to mentor staff while helping shape responsible growth across the district

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Senior Planner Job Description

• Urban and rural land use and subdivision development
• Heritage building and precinct protection
• Industrial and commercial development projects
• Decision-making on planning matters and mentoring staff
• Providing practical, solutions-focused advice to customers and stakeholders
• Supporting the Planning team to balance development opportunities with the protection of Central Otago's unique natural landscapes

Desired Skills And Experience

About you

• Strong planning experience, ideally across land use, subdivision, heritage, industrial and/or commercial development matters
• Sound judgement and confidence in making or supporting planning decisions
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach to working with customers, stakeholders and colleagues
• Ability to mentor and support staff, sharing knowledge and strengthening team capability
• Clear communication skills and a commitment to high-quality, professional advice
• A genuine interest in contributing to positive outcomes for the Central Otago community

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• An active social club
• Learning and development opportunities
• Supportive team culture
• Wellbeing programme
• Additional leave

About Us

Here at Central Otago District Council, we are a team with a common goal - to make a meaningful impact on our community and shaping the future of this remarkable region. Joining CODC means more than just finding a new workplace; it's about becoming a part of a network of forward-thinking individuals who are passionate about creating a positive and enjoyable work environment every day.

As a Leader in our organisation, you will help support and guide your team to deliver great outcomes for our community, foster a positive and collaborative culture, and ensure our people feel empowered, valued, and set up for success.

As a values-based organisation, we centre our work on our whakataukī: 'Me manaaki tētahi ki tētahi, me pakihiwitahi te tū - kia haere tahi ai tātou' - Respect each other, stand shoulder to shoulder - So that we may travel on this journey together.

Any enquiries about this role please email: [e-mail]