Careers

If you’re ready to step up, lead projects and make a impact without sacrificing family life or career ambition – this could be your next move.

We’re after a Principal / Senior Planner to shape urban and environmental planning across the South Island while leading projects and driving business growth.

About the role

This client-facing leadership role is based in our Timaru office and gives you the chance to lead urban and environmental planning projects across the South Island.

You’ll oversee resource consenting, strategic planning and feasibility work, ensuring projects balance client needs with strong environmental and community outcomes. You’ll also contribute to driving business growth and staying ahead of regulatory changes.

Day to day, you will:

• lead and contribute to resource management projects, from consenting to strategic planning
• provide expert planning advice while collaborating effectively across disciplines
• build and maintain strong relationships with clients, councils and stakeholders
• mentor and support team members
• stay ahead of planning legislation and industry trends.

Based in Timaru, we primarily serve South Canterbury, Mackenzie, Waitaki and Mid-Canterbury. Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of home and office work, are available to the right candidate.

About you

A natural leader, you’ll bring people together and thrive on delivering results. You have strong attention to detail and genuine passion for the industry. Whether you’re an experienced Principal Planner or a Senior Planner ready to step up, you have a proven track record in navigating compliance, producing high-quality reports and delivering resource management projects.

The ideal applicant will demonstrate the following:

• a tertiary qualification in planning, urban development, or a related field
• 7+ years’ experience in planning/resource management – urban and rural preferred, hearing experience desirable
• strong knowledge of NZ planning legislation – RMA, district/regional rules
• project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• excellent communication, attention to detail and leadership abilities
• NZPI membership (or eligibility)
• a full driver’s license.

About us

Davis Ogilvie (DO) is a trusted multidisciplinary South Island consultancy offering engineering, surveying and planning services. We integrate expertise across civil, geotechnical and structural engineering, resource management and environmental sciences.

With offices in Timaru, Christchurch, Greymouth and Nelson, we deliver innovative, sustainable, future-focused solutions for land development and civil infrastructure.

Why DO is a great place for you to work…

Our people are key to the success of our business. We’re highly skilled, technical experts who are passionate about what we do. We are a friendly, supportive, diverse and inclusive team with high priority on creating a positive work environment.

Our Timaru office is led by approachable, hands-on leaders who back their people. You’ll join a collaborative, high-trust team where you get real variety, real responsibility and real support —no pigeonholes, just great projects and good people.

What’s on offer

• Competitive remuneration package aligned with your experience
• Genuine career development – develop your leadership skills, contribute to cross-functional workflows, team training days and receive full CPD and memberships
• Diverse project exposure across residential, rural, high country, commercial and infrastructure
• A vibrant, inclusive team culture built on trust, humour and collaboration
• Personalised perks – from ski days, family flexibility to learning opportunities
• Community impact – join a Carbon Zero-certified company that gives back and makes a difference

Why Timaru?

You don’t need a big city for a rewarding career. Timaru has what we call the “regional advantage” – all the lifestyle benefits plus accelerated career opportunities. Here, you’ll lead and contribute to a variety of resource management projects – the kind that you’ll be proud to put your name to.

In our people-first culture, your voice is heard, your ideas matter and you get to make a meaningful difference. Outside work, you’ll enjoy ten-minute commutes, affordable living, excellent schools, sea-to-snow adventure and far more time for family and the other things that matter.

Ready to take the next step?

We’d love to hear from you! Apply now with your CV and a cover letter to tracey@do.nz or reach out for a confidential chat.

Early applications are encouraged as we’re looking to fill this position promptly.