Team Leader - Environmental Compliance & Planning

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• Lead a team of five specialists in environmental compliance and planning.

• Ensure Waikato Regional Council meets obligations under the Resource Management Act and other environmental legislation.

• Develop and implement resource consenting strategies to support sustainable work programmes.

• Provide strategic advice and influence policy at local, regional, and national levels.

• This role is pivotal in supporting sustainable land and catchment management, with a direct impact on our region’s environment, economy, and communities.

• Drive continuous improvement in compliance processes and best practice.

• Oversee monitoring, auditing, and reporting of resource consents.

• Build strong relationships with tangata whenua and key stakeholders across the region.

Mō te tangata | About you

• An experienced leader with a passion for environmental management and planning.

• Skilled at navigating complex and politically sensitive issues.

• A strategic thinker who balances community aspirations with legislative requirements.

• An excellent communicator who builds strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Collaborative, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, resource management, planning, or a related field (postgraduate study or te ao Māori knowledge is desirable).

• At least 10 years’ experience in resource management, environmental science, or planning.

• Proven leadership and team management experience.

• Strong project/programme management and strategic planning skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.

• Understanding of local government processes and legislation.

• Full NZ driver’s licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team

• Deliver sustainable catchment management across the Waikato region.

• Manage infrastructure assets worth over $586 million.

• Work in partnership with tangata whenua to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Mō mātou | About us

• We work hard to care for the mighty Waikato, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.

• Our mahi is as diverse as the region we care for and the people who share it. Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.

• Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and all staff have an important role to play in the delivery of exceptional customer service. 

• If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.

• By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better.

• Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 25 January 2026.

• For a copy of the role description, please click here.

• If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

• Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf. 

• Apply now!