Environmental Management Advisor

Are you passionate about environmental stewardship? Do you want to be a part of a team that is instrumental in achieving NPDC's goals and making a meaningful impact for our community? Ko wai mātou - Who are we Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council is a local government organisation located in the heart of New Plymouth. Our vision is to be the Sustainable Lifestyle Capital, and our district boasts a spectacular natural beauty from Taranaki Maunga to the moana. In 2021, we were awarded the most liveable city (for a population between 75,000 and 150,000) by the International Awards for Liveable Communities. We work collaboratively with iwi, Government, not-for-profits and businesses to achieve outcomes that benefit our community. Te āheinga - The opportunity As a result of NPDC's Organisation Transformation Review, a number of new teams and roles have been created, including the Project Management Office (PMO). NPDC has over $1B of capital projects to deliver over the next decade and the PMO plays a crucial role in delivering this significant investment efficiently and effectively for our community. We are looking for a tertiary qualified professional for the newly created Environmental Advisor role. Reporting to the Major Projects and Planning Manager, the Environmental Advisor is to provide high-quality planning advice and coordination of key activities to support NPDC project planning and delivery including:

1. Obtaining the authorisations required to ensure planned works have approved consents and legal access approved prior to any works commencing.
2. Assessing the forward works plan for legal, building, district plan rules and compliance requirements.

Tino takohanga - Key responsibilities :

1. Provide timely and practical advice and assistance to business units and stakeholders on resource management issues.
2. Provide specialist advice relating to RMA compliance / approvals and environmental initiatives including scoping, obtaining approvals, procurement, implementing, monitoring, auditing and documenting.
3. Determine which projects would trigger a consent by undertaking a due diligence of relevant statutory planning documents and any other consent requirements.
4. Identify hapū affected and liaise with them to provide an overview of forthcoming projects which will require engagement to understand their capacity and timeframes.
5. Lead and co-ordinate pre-application processes with Council's regulatory team.
6. Submit and manage all aspects of the resource consent process including attending hearings as required. This could be done directly by this role, or through procuring and managing an external planning consultant.
7. Identify need for and then, procure, coordinate, manage and review technical documentation (e.g. assessment of environmental effects, landscape and visual, geotechnical etc).
8. Support stakeholder and community engagement, and partnering activities with Mana Whenua around draft consent conditions and any cultural considerations.
9. Obtaining permits such as Wildlife Act Permits.

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako - Essential skills and experience You will hold a relevant degree or post graduate degree in fields such as Resource Management, Surveying, Law, Geography or similar, plus:

1. Advanced understanding of legislation and policy that relates to the Resource Management Act.
2. A thorough understanding of issues relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and its application to the work of government agencies, and land heritage as well as an understanding of the Māori language and culture.
3. Ability to recognise key political and other factors which may impact on working relationships and deal with these sensitively and strategically.
4. Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to lead cooperative efforts and influence and negotiate to achieve positive outcomes.

Desirable :

1. Experience working in a complex public facing environment with working knowledge of Local Government legislation.

He aha ai a Taranaki? - Why Taranaki? With the stunning Mt Taranaki as a backdrop and the warm iron sands along our coast, it is no wonder Taranaki is one of the best regions in New Zealand and the world. In Taranaki it's easy to achieve an enviable lifestyle without having to compromise your career. Our region's dynamic surf, multitude of parks and gardens, iconic walkways, major events calendar and mountain playground make this the place to live! u mātou rourou - What we offer At the New Plymouth District Council we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff including solid career pathways, learning and development opportunities as well as personal and professional development. You can expect to start in this permanent, full-time role with us between $100,329 and $108,131. We have also put together an 'Our Peoples Package' that spans wellbeing, development, benefits, culture and recognition. If you think this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you! Applications close on Sunday, 27 October 2024. #J-18808-Ljbffr