Senior Planner and Biodiversity Advisor
We are on the lookout for a Senior Planner and Biodiversity Advisor who is committed to delivering enduring solutions for our growing community!
The Role / Person
Our District Planning team are on the lookout for a Senior Planner and Biodiversity Advisor! If you want to make your mark in a highly skilled environment and play a key role in the development of our thriving district, this role is for you.
Working in the small but mighty Planning team will put you at the forefront of Council’s resource management, district planning, and biodiversity conservation. This is a unique role where you will balance high-level planning work with hands-on biodiversity responsibilities, contributing to the protection and enhancement of our natural environment.
As our Senior Planner and Biodiversity Advisor, you will take charge of complex resource consents, contribute to District Plan changes, and provide ecological advice that ensures the protection and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity.
We are looking for an individual with proven experience in ecology, biodiversity, and resource management planning. Up-to-date knowledge of New Zealand wildlife legislation and a comprehensive understanding of the Resource Management Act 1991, district planning, and relevant legislation will be essential, along with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and lead projects with confidence. By way of background, you will hold a degree in Natural Resources Management, Urban Planning, or closely related field.
If you are a future-focused individual who is committed to delivering enduring solutions for our growing community, we’d love to hear from you!
This is a permanent role and offers 40 hours per week. The annual salary for this role is $110,154 - $129,593 per annum. Check out a copy of the position description here. For further information please email us at jobs@timdc.govt.nz.
You must have the right to live and work in this location to apply for this job. Applications close at 5:00pm, 24th September 2025; however, we may appoint before the closing date if we find suitable applicants during the recruitment process! So if you are interested get your application in quick. Applications can be registered through our career’s website www.timaru.govt.nz/jobs.
The District
Nau mai haere mai, welcome to the Timaru District. Te Tihi o Maru is a thriving and innovative community. It is the central hub for the South Island, servicing a large agricultural heartland, with a growing economy that provides the import and export gateway for primary sectors. We boast a Top 10 most loved beach in Aotearoa and have access to mountains, rivers and lakes, making Timaru an ideal destination for recreational, sporting and cultural pursuits.
Let’s not forget about that 7 minute commute to work!
The Organisation
Te Kaunihera ā Rohe o Te Tihi o Maru aims to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of communities, to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of its communities in the present and for the future. With around 400 staff, there are a diverse range of roles from front facing community to support and technical specialists.
www.vtdevelopment.co.nz celebrates all the things we love about living in Timaru, from our affordable houses, to our easy commute, fantastic lifestyle and our successes. Come and join the story!
- Department
- Environmental Services - Planning
- Locations
- Timaru District Council
Timaru District Council
Employee Benefits
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Flexible Working Hours
We do our best to assist our employees to have a good work/life balance. We are open to flexible working conditions to make the role work for you and your lifestyle. -
Social Club
We have an active social club that engages in a variety of social events including monthly after-work socialising, themed mid year and end of year functions, sporting activities and family orientated functions. -
Flu Vaccinations
We want our employees to remain as fit and healthy as possible. We offer free flu vaccines to all staff each year (both flu jabs and oral tablets are offered). -
Regular Eye Checks
Vision checks are conducted for employees using Visual Display Units. -
Medical Insurance
All employees are eligible for discounted health insurance through Southern Cross. -
Employee Assistance Programme
A confidential and professional Employee Assistance Programme is available to all employees to assist with counselling, support, development and advice. -
Work Sports Teams
We have work sports teams for those who like to get out and exercise including Touch, Cricket and Croquet. -
Ergonomic Work Station Assessment
We encourage and support all of our employees to have a healthy work space and offer assessments to all staff wherever they work and whatever role they do. -
Wellbeing Committee (COSI)
Our COSI Committee strives to look after the wellbeing of the people of Timaru District Council. The committee's core values are: Customer Focus (internal and external), One Team, Successful, Integrity. The COSI Committee arrange many varying events including employee awards, morning tea quizzes, fundraising events/days, individual and interdepartmental competitions (eg. baking, gardening, Christmas decorating, moustache growing) , dress up days - all of which get excellent support and engagement from our people. The work of our committed committee members helps our employees to have fun, be happy, positive, creative, healthy and build stronger working relationships.
What the Timaru District Council can offer you:
- A forward-looking, friendly workplace that is respected in the industry.
- Hands on experience on large scale projects.
- An attractive and affordable lifestyle in one of the most stunning parts of the country.
- Real career progression and a real opportunity to make a difference to the community.
- A supportive and encouraging team environment.
Already working at Timaru District Council?
Let’s recruit together and find your next colleague.