Planner: Intermediate to Senior - Timaru

Are you a Planner looking for greater variety, autonomy and flexibility? We’re looking for an Intermediate or Senior Planner to join our multidisciplinary team in Timaru.

This is a flexible role that can be shaped around the experience and strengths of the right person, whether you are ready to take greater ownership of projects or are already working confidently at a senior level.

You’ll work across a varied mix of land use, subdivision and regional consenting projects alongside our surveying, civil engineering and wider technical teams.

Ambition and life don’t have to compete. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership, build trusted client relationships and keep growing your career, while still having time for life outside work.

About the role

You will provide planning advice and prepare, manage or contribute to resource consent projects across South Canterbury, Mackenzie, Waitaki, Mid-Canterbury and the wider South Island.

Our planners are involved early, their advice is valued and they can influence how projects are shaped and delivered. Depending on your experience, you may independently manage projects, contribute to complex consenting work, mentor others or help strengthen our planning capability.

Your work may include:

• preparing and managing land use, subdivision and regional consent applications
• providing planning advice to private clients, developers, contractors and local authorities
• preparing assessments, reports and supporting documentation
• reviewing district and regional planning provisions
• ­identifying consenting risks and pathways forward
• ­liaising with clients, councils and other stakeholders
• ­managing project scope, timeframes, budgets and communication
• ­maintaining current knowledge of planning legislation and industry developments

About you

You are driven, dependable and take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

You communicate clearly, work well with others and take ownership of your work. You have a practical mindset, strong attention to detail and a positive approach to finding solutions.

You can work autonomously when needed, but you also enjoy being part of a collaborative, cross-functional team.

Most importantly, you bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and a desire to contribute and grow.

You'll ideally bring

• a tertiary qualification in planning, resource management or a related discipline
• ­New Zealand planning or resource management experience
• ­experience preparing and/or processing land use and subdivision consent applications
• ­experience with regional consenting or regional planning provisions
• an understanding of local authority consent processes
• ­strong written and verbal communication skills
• ­the ability to manage priorities and work with appropriate autonomy
• ­NZPI membership or eligibility for membership
• ­a full New Zealand driver licence.

Experience with hearings, complex consenting, project leadership or mentoring would be valuable but is not essential. We’re more interested in finding the right person than fitting someone into a rigid position description.

Why DO is a great place for you to work

Our people are key to the success of our business. You’ll join a friendly, supportive and collaborative team where people work closely across disciplines and genuinely each other’s contribution.

Our Timaru office is led by approachable, hands-on leaders who back their people. You’ll get variety, responsibility and support. No pigeonholes, just interesting projects and good people.

The role also offers:

• ­full-time or part-time options, with a minimum of 20 hours per week
• ­hybrid working for the right person, with Timaru as your work base
• flexibility and autonomy
• ­diverse projects across residential, rural, commercial, infrastructure and land development
• ­professional development, CPD and relevant membership support
• ­competitive remuneration aligned with your experience
• ­a team culture built on trust, humour and collaboration.

Timaru offers the chance to grow your planning career while enjoying the benefits of a regional lifestyle, including short commutes, affordable living and easy access to the coast, lakes and mountains. Here, you’ll work on a variety of resource management projects and contribute to work you’ll be proud to put your name to.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re looking for interesting work, flexibility and room to grow within a supportive multidisciplinary team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and cover letter.