Careers

Employment Opportunity 

We are seeking a positive and energetic person to join us on a permanent part-time basis. If you are someone who enjoys swimming and would like the opportunity to work in a positive team this is the opportunity for you. You will be flexible in your availability, as we work on a roster that can change. Ensuring a safe environment for our customer, you will be joining a great team where everyone gives a helping hand when needed.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

• The ability to swim at a proficient level 
• Willing to complete a Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate and First Aid Certificate. (or already have one) 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at the Hokitika Swimming Pool as part of Council, you will become part of a fun and dynamic team, where we work with all walks of life as they enjoy our facilities. If you are looking for some part time work or looking to return to the workforce, this could be a great opportunity to do so.  

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.
 
Tono mai ināianei - Apply now

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Position Description

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Live, work and thrive on the West Coast

Building Control Officer – Inspections 

Te Kāhui o Poutini – Westland District Council is based in Hokitika, right in the heart of the stunning West Coast. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real difference to a community while enjoying an incredible lifestyle, this could be the opportunity for you.

With mountains, native rainforest, rivers, lakes and the coastline all on your doorstep, Westland offers an enviable lifestyle for those who love the outdoors. Whether it’s getting out on the trails, exploring the coast, fishing, hunting, biking or simply enjoying the space and scenery, there’s plenty to experience beyond the office.

You’ll also be joining a friendly, dedicated and supportive team who take pride in the work they do and enjoy working together. We’re a close-knit team where your experience and ideas will be valued, and where there’s plenty of opportunity to contribute to the way we deliver building services to our community.

We are looking for an experienced Building Control Officer – Inspections to join us on a permanent, full-time basis.  A possibility of hybrid could also be an option.

In this role, you’ll play an important part in ensuring buildings across Westland are safe, compliant and built to the required standards. You’ll undertake building consent inspections, assess work against approved plans and legislation, issue Code Compliance Certificates and provide practical advice to customers throughout the building process.

It’s a role that offers variety, autonomy and the opportunity to build strong relationships within a close community, while being part of a team that genuinely supports one another.

He kōrero mōu – About you

We’re looking for someone who brings experience, sound technical knowledge and a positive, team-focused approach.

You will have:

• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar building control or inspection role, or demonstrated capability through a related role with the ability to work with minimal training.

• Current assessed competency of at least Residential 3 and Commercial 1 in building inspections.

• A qualification recognised under Regulation 18 of the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations, or be actively working towards an appropriate qualification in construction, surveying, drafting, engineering or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of building construction, standards and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain technical requirements clearly and practically.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Good computer literacy and confidence using relevant software and systems.

• A positive, collaborative approach and the ability to contribute to a supportive team environment.

• An understanding of the local government environment and the political and sensitive nature of Council work.

• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence.

If you’re ready for a change of pace, want to live somewhere special and would enjoy being part of a team that makes a real difference in its community, we’d love to hear from you. Come and make Westland your next home.

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Position Description

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 8th November 2026 or when the role is filled. We encourage you to apply promptly as interview scheduling may begin before the close date.

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Operations Officer to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. Joining a dedicated team, you will perform a range of tasks relating to operations and contracts management in our district assets team . This primarily involves managing the contracts for our parks, public spaces and recreation operations, cemetery operations, solid waste operations and our capital renewal projects.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

·   3-5 years’ experience in a similar role, or demonstrated capacity through a related role to perform the functions of this role with minimal training

·   Diploma in contract management or related field is desirable but not critical 

·   Highly motivated team player

·   Excellent interpersonal communication skills

·   High level of computer literacy especially with relevant programmes/software

·   Excellent time management skills

·   A valid full New Zealand driver’s license

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Westland District Council – Te Kahui o Poutini is an opportunity to build on your experience as a Senior Operations Officer and broaden your skill set through training, development and practice in a wide range of job-specific tasks and activities.

We offer:

·   3 days extra leave between Christmas and New Year’s

·   Health Insurance

·   Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Apply Directly on our website

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 9 October 2026 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will be interviewing as we process applications

Make a difference where the mountains meet the sea

Live the West Coast lifestyle. Do meaningful work. Join a team that has your back.

If you're a building professional who enjoys variety, solving problems and making a real difference in the community, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Westland District Council is looking for a Building Compliance Officer to join our dedicated Building Control team.

This isn't a role where you'll spend every day behind a desk. You'll be out in the community, working with property owners, builders, consultants and other agencies to help keep buildings safe, compliant and fit for purpose. You'll investigate complaints, undertake inspections, assess compliance, work through complex building issues and, where necessary, take proportionate enforcement action.

You'll also have the opportunity to work across a broad range of Territorial Authority functions, including dangerous and insanitary buildings, earthquake-prone buildings, compliance schedules, Building Warrant of Fitness requirements, swimming pool barriers, amusement devices and other building compliance matters.

Why Westland?

Because where else can you finish your working day and have world-class landscapes practically on your doorstep?

The West Coast offers a lifestyle that's hard to beat. Think rugged coastlines, native bush, rivers, lakes, mountains and some of New Zealand's most spectacular outdoor experiences — without the traffic, crowds and pace of a big city.

Whether you're into hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, surfing or simply getting outside with the family, there's room here to breathe, explore and enjoy life.

Come for the career. Stay for the lifestyle.

You'll be part of a team that supports you!  We know that great people do their best work when they're supported.

You'll join a dedicated and collaborative Building Control team where knowledge is shared, people look out for each other and there's genuine support when the work gets challenging. You'll have the opportunity to build your expertise across a diverse range of compliance and regulatory matters while working alongside experienced professionals.

We value people who are practical, approachable and solutions-focused. You won't be expected to know everything on day one — what matters is that you bring sound building knowledge, good judgement, curiosity and a willingness to learn.

What you'll bring

We're looking for someone with:

• A sound fundamental understanding of building construction, materials, building systems and construction practices.
• Experience or knowledge of building compliance, inspections, investigations or regulatory work.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations, standards and policies.
• Strong investigation, assessment and decision-making skills.
• The confidence to have difficult conversations and take appropriate enforcement action when required.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain technical requirements in a clear, practical and mana-enhancing way.
• A commitment to fair, consistent, proportionate and risk-based regulatory practice.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a close-knit team.

Experience working within the Building Act 2004, Building Code or a Territorial Authority environment would be highly regarded.

More than a job

This is an opportunity to build a career where your work has a visible and meaningful impact on the community, while living somewhere that gives you the freedom to make the most of your time outside work.

If you're looking for a role with variety, purpose, professional development and a supportive team — in one of New Zealand's most beautiful and uncrowded regions — we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your building knowledge. Bring your common sense. Bring your sense of adventure.

Make Westland home.

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District.

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Position Description

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 4th November 2026 or when the role is filled. We encourage you to apply promptly as interview scheduling may begin before the close date.