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

Our Consents team at the Otago Regional Council is looking for a Principal Consents Planner to join the team on a 12-month fixed term, full-time (37.5 hours per week) basis in our busy Dunedin, Queenstown or Alexandra offices.

The purpose of this position is to manage complex or contentious consents projects, fast track applications and provide and ensure relevant RMA and technical support or input to the Consents Section, to ensure the effective, efficient and legally defensible management of consents processing under the Resource Management Act.

As a Principal Consents Planner, you will be responsible for:

• Managing and advising on the processing of Resource and Fast Track applications, including the preparation of reports and associated documentation
• Providing and presenting on reports to ORC Management, Committees and Hearings
• Participating in ongoing review and development "continuous improvement" of ORC consents processes and procedures
• Participating in development of Council plans and policies

If you have excellent organisational skills and enjoy working on a team basis, then we would love to hear from you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant science or other tertiary qualification
• Minimum of 5 years' experience of working with the RMA consents
• Technical and resource management experience.
• Experienced in producing credible testimony for hearings
• Strong organisational skills and processes
• Can build effective relationships with all levels of the organisation

A full job description can be found here - Position Description - Principal Consent Planner (1).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 8 May 2026

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