Senior Planning Engineer - Development

Christchurch City Council; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 126,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a Senior Planning Engineer - Development to lead water and wastewater infrastructure planning in Christchurch. This role involves overseeing network planning, engaging with various stakeholders, and providing expert guidance for development projects. Ideal candidates have over 10 years of experience and a degree in Civil Engineering. The position offers professional growth opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Training programmes

Option to purchase extra leave

Access to staff benefits

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure development planning.
• Proven track record in resource management and building consenting processes.
• Experience in leading complex technical reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development engineering function for new water supply and wastewater connections.
• Oversee network planning and new infrastructure assessments.
• Provide expert guidance to developers and internal teams.

Skills

Water infrastructure planning

Wastewater infrastructure development

Stakeholder engagement

Verbal and written communication

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or Natural Resources Engineering

Chartered professional engineering status

Job description

E ngā iwi, e ngā karangatanga huri noa i te motu, tēnei te mihi atu ki a koutou katoa. He īnoi tēnei ki a koe. Tono mai ki tētahi tūnga ki te Kaunihera o Ōtautahi

About the role | Ko te mahi nei

Christchurch City Council is seeking a forward-thinking and experienced Senior Planning Engineer - Development to lead the development engineering function for new water supply and wastewater connections and infrastructure. In this pivotal role, you will drive sustainable growth and support long-term community outcomes through expert planning, consenting, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

As a vital member of the Water and Wastewater Asset Planning Team, you will provide strategic and technical input to plan and coordinate network development that aligns with Council's priorities. Your work will ensure our water and wastewater systems are resilient, future-ready, and responsive to the evolving needs of a growing city.

You will oversee network planning, assess and approve new infrastructure, and offer expert guidance to developers, consultants, and internal teams. Representing Council at hearings and planning forums, you will also lead and support team members to deliver excellence in providing the development engineering function.

About you | Ko Koe Tēnei

You're a strategic thinker with a strong technical background in water and wastewater infrastructure planning and development. You excel at leading and collaborating on complex engineering challenges, confidently balancing detailed technical work with big-picture planning.

To Succeed In This Role, You Will Bring

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Natural Resources Engineering. If your qualification was obtained internationally, an Engineering New Zealand credential check is required.
• Chartered professional engineering status or equivalent international professional registration is highly desirable.
• At least 10 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure development planning, ideally with a proven track record leading complex technical reviews and providing expert advice in resource management- and building consenting processes. Experience in city or regional-level planning is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Confidence and experience engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, from technical experts to members of the public.

What's in it for you? He aha ngā hua ki a koe?

At Christchurch City Council we believe our greatest strength is our people - working together as one team to deliver real results. When you join us, you'll have the chance to contribute directly to building a vibrant, thriving Christchurch community.

You'll be part of a collaborative and supportive environment with access to:

• Training programmes, workshops, and ongoing development opportunities
• Option to purchase extra leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Exposure to diverse areas across the organisation
• Benefits - a range of staff benefits from health schemes to retail discounts

Additional Information | Ko ētahi atu kōrero:

At the Christchurch City Council, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways.

We understand that recruitment processes can be challenging. If you require any support or adjustments to help you put your best foot forward, please reach out to us at [e-mail]

• Hours of work - Permanent full time
• Location - This position is primarily based at Te Hononga, Christchurch City Council Civic Offices - 53 Hereford Street.
• Salary - The salary band for this position goes from $126,230 to $140,255 per annum based on a 40-hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
• Closing date - Sunday 19th October 2025

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.