Planning Support Officer

Planning Support Officer
Buller District Council | Westport, New Zealand
Permanent Full-time | 40 Hours per week

Join the Buller District Council Team! | Hono atu ki te roopu Kaunihera a rohe o Buller!
Are you passionate about making a real difference in your community? Do you enjoy delivering exceptional customer service and working in a dynamic, supportive team environment? We're looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Planning Support Officer to join our Planning team!

Who are we? | Ko wai tatou?
At Buller District Council, we are a dedicated, customer-focused team committed to maintaining the beauty of our region—from Karamea to Punakaiki and inland to the environs of Reefton. This is your unique opportunity to step into the wilderness and make a tangible difference in the Buller District. If you possess the expertise and a proactive attitude to deliver exceptional service to our community, we’d love to hear from you!

Why Join Us? | He aha te hono mai ki a mātau?

Thrive in a values-driven workplace that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and professional development through various learning opportunities, benefits, and recognition.

• Shape the future of Buller – Be a part of strategic growth and sustainable development
• Work in a scenic district with a great lifestyle balance.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team with a high focus on wellbeing

What Will You Do? | Ka aha koe?
Key responsibilities will include:

• Responding to planning enquiries and processing Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) requests
• Providing quality planning advice to internal and external customers
• Assessing building consent applications and Project Information Memorandums (PIMs) in relation to planning provisions
• Supporting planning staff with administrative duties and helping ensure our processes and documentation are accurate and up to date
• Assisting with Land Information Memorandums (LIMs), invoicing, and departmental reporting

Who Are You? | Ko wai koe?
We are looking for someone with:
Essential:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Strong computer and word processing skills
• Great time management and the ability to prioritise work effectively
• A proactive, practical, and flexible approach
• A current New Zealand driver’s licence

Desirable:

• Experience using GIS/mapping software
• Ability to read and interpret building and site plans
• Knowledge of planning or resource management legislation
• Qualifications in administration, planning, or a related field

Our Mission | To tatou misioni
To serve the residents of the Buller district, conscious of their needs, by providing facilities and services and creating an appropriate environment for progress and development while preserving the distinctive natural environment, as well as the cultural and historical environments.

If you're ready to make a significant impact and work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you!

All applications are required to be accompanied by a cover letter and a copy of your current Curriculum Vitae.

Any enquiries about this role please email: bdc.hr@bdc.govt.nz

Applications close: 4PM Friday 26th September 2025