Transpower - Principal Environmental Planner
At Transpower, we are committed to environmental sustainability and enabling the reduction of New Zealand's overall energy emissions as we transition to a net zero-carbon economy.
Our Sustainability Strategy 2020 sets clear goals and enabling actions across the areas of climate change, environmental stewardship, sustainable business and our communities.
About the team
Our Environment Group (EG) manages Transpower's environmental policy, strategy and project risks associated with maintaining, upgrading and developing the national grid.
About the opportunity - newly created role!
Based in Wellington or Christchurch, we are seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Planner to join our team.
Supporting the Environmental Projects Team Leader and Head of Environment, you will provide project leadership in relation to obtaining environmental approvals for large, complex projects (both Transpower projects and Customer projects) and policy support, including contributing to the implementation of Transpower’s NPSET/corridor programme.
You will be a key conduit between the EG Senior Leadership Team, EG team members, other key roles and teams within Transpower, and external parties.
Key focus areas:
Provide day-to-day coordination, planning, management, and control of the environmental components of projects
Be actively involved in the consenting component of the Net Zero Grid Pathways Programme, customer connections and Major Capex Proposal (MCP) projects.
Work with project managers, customers, engineers and other project team members to ensure the environmental aspects of projects are scoped and planned appropriately.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring support for wider EG members on delivering complex Customer and Transpower projects.
Proactively build and manage internal and external relationships, fostering strong relationships with Councils, iwi, landowners etc.
About you
You bring outstanding relationship management abilities, a collaborative approach to your work, initiative and sound judgement. You are recognised amongst your peers as a trusted advisor and expert in environmental planning.
Your previous leadership and/or mentoring experience has helped you to guide less experienced team members, including interns and graduates, to meet their full potential.
Your CV and cover letter will demonstrate:
10+ years’ experience in planning in project environments.
Experience in securing consents, designations and other approvals for large projects in New Zealand.
Experience in Council and community engagement processes, including public meetings, Council hearings and Environment Court mediation.
Experience in policy development under the RMA.
Effective stakeholder relationship management skills, including working with iwi/hapu, customers and wider community stakeholders.
Team player and ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, ensuring project decisions appropriately balance cost, time and risk.
Tertiary degree in resource management, environmental planning or another field (e.g. geography, environmental science), preferably recognised by the New Zealand Planning Institute.
Experience of Te Ao Māori, and working with/for a large infrastructure provider, is desirable.
Join us at Transpower
Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. Every home, every marae, every electric vehicle, and every hospital relies on the electricity we manage and deliver. This is your opportunity to join us on a mission that affects all New Zealanders every day and long into the future.
With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and deep and varied experiences which they love to share. Our environment is family-friendly, with the option to work from home two days per week.
Wellbeing is supported with a range of employee health and wellness benefits - (check them out here), on-the-job learning, professional development, and career progression over time.
Next steps
To bring your subject matter expertise to a team of motivated, professional planners who are working hard to deliver a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Aotearoa, please review the position description via our website and apply without delay.
Role closes Sunday 24 March; however applications will be reviewed as they are received, and exploratory conversations may commence before the close date to facilitate shortlisting.
NB: Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand, with the qualifications specified above, is a requirement.