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Your Council

Careers

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision 

We work with the people of Westland to grow and protect our communities, our economy and our unique natural environment.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

When you join the Westland District Council, you become part of a team who work hard to deliver a high level of service to the ratepayers and residents of the Westland District.

Based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast, surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains, with the river and lakes nearby, working for Westland District Council is an opportunity to be part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community.

If you are looking for a career opportunity where the work you do has a real, positive impact on the community, then you have come to the right place.

For further information about any role advertised or working at Westland District Council, please contact hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

How to apply

You can apply online, with your full CV and cover letter.

Alternatively, your application form, along with a full CV and cover letter should be emailed to hr@westlanddc.govt.nz, or mailed to Westland District Council, 36 Weld Street, Private Bag 704, Hokitika 7842.

Current vacancies

Permanent - Full-time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

We are seeking a Health and Safety and Compliance Officer to drive our Health and Safety policies, systems and compliance to create a “Safety First” culture within Council, and, to carry out compliance functions as relate to Council Bylaws, policies, and legislative requirements. Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and maintaining strategy and work programs for Health and Safety.
  • Reviewing Health and Safety policies and procedures.
  • Responding to and reporting health and safety incidents, accidents and near misses.
  • Reviewing and updating the hazard and risk register and implementing appropriate controls as necessary.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

  • A relevant health and safety qualification including unit standards:
  • Minimum 3 years experience in a health and safety role.
  • Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and operating procedures.
  • Experience in compliance/enforcement processes.
  • Experience in working with animals (dogs/stock).
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with others, maintain good relationships and negotiate difficult conversations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to present professional documents as required.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills.
  • Initiative, good judgement and problem-solving abilities.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft and other relevant applications.
  • Current full drivers licence.

 Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Westland District Council will give you an opportunity to utilise your health and safety expertise to promote a safe and healthy working environment for Council and the services we provide. We offer:

  • Flexible work options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Kiwisaver 3% additional
  • Sick leave available upon commencement
  • Additional three days leave between Christmas and New Year
  • Positive workplace culture

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

A full position description is available here.

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply' above.

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024

Permanent - Full-time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

We are seeking a Compliance Team Leader to manage and coordinate the implementation of Council's compliance, monitoring and enforcement functions under council bylaws, policies and other relevant legislation. This existing vacancy is primarily to provide leadership and oversight to the Environmental Health, Alcohol Licencing and Animal Control functions of Council. Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and implementing monitoring regimes for bylaws, resource consent conditions and permitted activities.
  • Undertaking investigative work on complex non-compliances.
  • Providing technical leadership, support and advice internally and externally.
  • Managing the compliance team including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, rosters and Warrants of Appointment.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in a compliance-related field.
  • Minimum 3 years experience in a compliance/regulatory role.
  • Sound knowledge of legislation, enforcement procedures and compliance monitoring requirements.
  • Experience in working with animals (dogs and stock).
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with members of the public, maintain good relationships and negotiate difficult conversations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • The ability to lead a team and ensure a positive team environment.
  • Excellent conflict resolution skills, tact and patience.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills.
  • Initiative, good judgement and problem-solving abilities.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft and other relevant applications.
  • Current full driver's licence.

 Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Westland District Council will give you an opportunity to utilise your experience in compliance and eye for detail in a wide range of compliance and enforcement tasks. We offer:

  • Flexible work options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Kiwisaver 3% additional
  • Sick leave available upon commencement
  • Additional three days leave between Christmas and New Year
  • Positive workplace culture

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

A full position description is available here.

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply' above.

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 15 May 2024

Permanent - Full-time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Westland District Council is seeking a Planning Team Leader. This role will report directly to the Planning Manager and provide day-to-day guidance and operational oversight to our Environmental Planning team. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to your own planning projects.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Co-ordination and supporting the team’s workload.
  • Input into Proposed Te Tai o Poutini Plan
  • Operative District Plan implementation
  • Providing guidance and education on various resource management issues relevant to the community
  • Providing best practice policy and strategic counsel to our senior leadership team and Council.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

  • A tertiary qualification in Planning or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a Planning role including policy and resource consents
  • Previous leadership experience desired
  • Expert knowledge of resource management law, processes and procedures
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • A deep passion for the environment
  • A keen sense of judgment

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

This permanent, full-time position offers the opportunity to work within a small team, with the ability of flexible work arrangements, a variety of interesting work and ongoing personal and professional development. This position is an ideal way to continuing growth within the planning profession. We offer:

  • Flexible work options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Kiwisaver 3% additional
  • Additional three days leave between Christmas and New Year
  • A positive workplace culture

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

A full position description is available here.

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply' above.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 20 May 2024

Pre-employment checks

Please be aware that Westland District Council will undertake the following background checks on all potential new employees such as:

  • Police vetting
  • Identity check
  • Evidence of qualification
  • Referee check
  • Digital literacy assessments
  • Child Safety Checks for roles identified as Children’s Workers under the Children’s Act 2014.

Prior to your application please ensure you are able to meet these requirements.