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 Consent Planner – Public Enquiries to join our Consents team on a fixed term (13 months), full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy Dunedin office.

The purpose of this position is to provide timely and accurate responses to internal and external customer enquiries relating to consent activities in the Otago Region. The role will involve providing information to enquirers about consenting rules and pathways, permitted activities and pre-application advice.

As a Consent Planner – Public Enquiries, you will be responsible for:

• Responding to internal and external enquiries in relation to resource consents
• Advising and educating customers on resource consent processes
• Clearly communicating ORC’s regional plans, and applicable national legislation
• Assisting the Consent team by processing resource consents from time to time

If you have a passion for sustainable management of Otago and enjoying working in a team environment, we would love to hear from you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in any of the following; Environmental or Applied Science, Planning, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geography/Earth Sciences, Agricultural Science.
• Experienced in provision of advisory services pertaining to the Resource Management Act and Local Government Act
• Experience in advocating/negotiating with internal and external stakeholders of an organisation
• Strong organisational skills and processes
• Sound computer skills, with the ability to learn how to use ORC databases systems

The full job description can be found here - Position Description - Consents Planner Consents Enquiries.pdf

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: Tuesday 17 March 2026

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