Development Engineer | Fixed Term Parental Leave Cover

Are you technically minded, solutions-focused, and keen to make a real impact in our community?

Whangārei District Council is looking for a Development Engineer to join our Infrastructure Group on a fixed-term basis to provide parental leave cover.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the Whangārei District by helping ensure new subdivisions and developments meet Council's infrastructure standards and support sustainable community outcomes.

We are looking for someone with strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills who will bring their strong knowledge in design and peer reviews in three-waters, geotechnical and/or coastal engineering, while building positive relationships with developers, consultants, contractors and colleagues. Whether you come from a local government, consulting, civil engineering, infrastructure or construction background, this role offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a collaborative and supportive environment.

What you'll be doing | As a Development Engineer, you'll play an important role in assessing and facilitating development projects across the district.

Key responsibilities include:

• Independently reviewing engineering designs, plans and reports associated with land development and subdivision projects for resource consents and engineering design applications.
• Assessing development proposals to ensure compliance with Council standards, policies and relevant legislation.
• Providing technical advice and guidance to developers, consultants, contractors and Council staff.
• Managing engineering approvals and conditions associated with resource consents and subdivision applications with accuracy and precision.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate efficient development outcomes.
• Reviewing as-built information and project documentation to support the vesting and handover of new infrastructure assets.
• Assisting the Team Leader and Infrastructure Department Manager in resolving escalations and high-risk applications.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the Development Engineering team.

This role can be fully remote for the right candidate with technical expertise in design and peer reviews in three-waters, roading, geotechnical and/or coastal engineering with regulatory experience preferably.

Because this is a fixed-term cover position, we're particularly interested in someone who can quickly become familiar with Council processes, confidently manage their own workload, and contribute effectively from the outset.

What we're looking for | We're seeking someone who enjoys finding practical solutions, communicating with a wide range of people, and delivering quality outcomes.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• A qualification in civil engineering, engineering technology or a related discipline.
• A minimum 5+ years’ experience in land development, civil infrastructure, subdivision engineering, local government, consulting or construction.
• Sound understanding of engineering design principles and infrastructure standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management abilities.
• Confidence working with developers, consultants, contractors and regulatory stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical information and plans.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and engineering-related systems.
• The ability to work independently and provide support to young engineers.

Experience with local government processes, the Resource Management framework, subdivision development, or infrastructure asset management is advantageous

Why join us?

You'll be joining a supportive team that plays a key role in shaping the future growth of the Whangārei District.

We value collaboration, practical thinking and continuous learning. Our team works closely together and takes pride in delivering infrastructure that supports thriving communities now and into the future.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Work on a diverse range of development and infrastructure projects.
• Build strong relationships across the development sector.
• Develop your technical and professional skills within a supportive environment.
• Contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on our district and community.
• Gain valuable local government experience and broaden your understanding of infrastructure planning and delivery.

Our organisational tikanga are:

• Whanaungatanga – fostering strong relationships and connections.
• Manaakitanga – showing respect, care and support for others.
• Kotahitanga – working together towards shared outcomes.
• Atawhaitanga – acting as trusted stewards for our community and future generations.

Apply now

If you're a motivated engineering professional who enjoys solving problems, building relationships and helping shape great development outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the People & Capability team on (09) 430 4200 430 4200) or [0800 932 463](tel:0800 932 463).  We look forward to hearing from you.

Apply now at http://careers.wdc.govt.nz or click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday, 25 October 2026.