Geotechnical Development Engineer

Location: Based in Gisborne | Full-time, permanent

We’re looking for a skilled Geotech Development Engineer to provide practical engineering and geotechnical advice that supports safe, quality development across Tairāwhiti.

Working alongside planners, building officers, developers and consultants, you’ll assess development proposals, identify geotechnical risks and provide clear, solution-focused advice through the resource and building consent process.

Your expertise across subdivisions, earthworks, roading, stormwater and natural hazards will help ensure development is safe, fit for purpose and meets Council and legislative requirements.

Mō te tūranga | About the position

As our Geotech Development Engineer, you will be a key technical adviser within the Consents team. You will review engineering designs and geotechnical reports, assess proposals for resource and building consents, complete site visits and help applicants understand and meet Council’s engineering requirements.

You will use your technical knowledge to provide timely, practical recommendations, including consent conditions and requests for further information. You will also contribute to improving Council processes, guidance material and standards, helping make the consent process clear, consistent and customer focused.

Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include:

• Review resource and building consent applications, including subdivisions, land use, earthworks and forestry proposals
• Reviewing geotechnical investigations, engineering geotechnical reports, and natural hazard assessments.
• Assessing land stability, erosion, liquefaction, slope stability, settlement, and other geotechnical risks associated with development.
• Advising on geotechnical aspects of Council infrastructure and resilience projects.
• Providing geotechnical and engineering advice during emergency response and recovery activities, including support to Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) operations following significant weather, erosion, flooding, landslide, or infrastructure failure events.
• Recommend consent conditions and requests for further information
• Carry out site visits and monitor subdivision and land-use works
• Support section 223 and 224 subdivision certification requirements
• Work with Planning and Building teams to provide clear, timely and consistent consent advice
• Help improve engineering procedures, guidance material and customer information
• Support quality assurance, process improvements and the development of junior staff

Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:

• A Civil Engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or a relevant technical qualification with substantial experience
• At least three to five years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, infrastructure or development engineering
• Knowledge of subdivisions, earthworks, roading, stormwater, water and wastewater infrastructure
• Experience reviewing engineering plans, drawings and geotechnical reports
• Strong problem-solving skills and a customer-focused approach
• An understanding of New Zealand standards, development requirements and engineering good practice
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet consent timeframes
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and GIS mapping systems
• The ability to undertake site visits across the region

Ngā Huanga | Benefits

• Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing
• Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu jabs, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package
• Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events
• Perks: Modern offices, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks
• Growth: A values-led environment where your development is supported
• Relocation support: Assistance available to help you make the move to Gisborne
• Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush

He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council

Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We’re committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti.

Our mahi is diverse, from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region’s future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we’re a team that’s passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application via our careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers – Job Vacancies - select the position and apply!

For more information, email [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will be filled once the right candidate is identified.

To view the job description, please refer to the Job Attachments section of the position.