At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Transport Planner to join our Transport team on a fixed term (15 months), full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy Dunedin or Queenstown office.

The purpose of this position is providing expert transport planning advice and oversight to ensure the effective delivery of the Otago Regional Council’s transport planning responsibilities, with a particular focus on the needs of the Queenstown Lakes district.

As a Senior Transport Planner, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the development of the Regional Land Transport Plan, Long Term Plan and other plans and business cases, focusing on the needs and growth of Queenstown Lakes in particular.
• Preparing complex business cases in conjunction with investment partners and key stakeholders
• Delivering public transport planning to ensure the continuation of effective and efficient service delivery
• Participating and occasionally leading community engagement activities

If you have a keen eye for detail and make a difference in transport in the Otago region, this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field
• 4+ years’ experience in professional planning environment, with a strong preference for transport planning experience in Project and Contracts Management
• A strategic understanding of Queenstown Lakes district’s growth pressures and likely demands on public transport
• Strong Excel and IS skills, and ability to use other analytical systems

A full job description can be found here – Apr 2024 Senior Transport Planner PD (2).docx

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Friday 13 March 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz