Senior Development Engineer

About the Role

As a senior leader within the Development Engineering Team, you will provide expert technical guidance across a variety of asset categories. This role involves close collaboration with developers, consultants, and internal staff to evaluate, direct, and approve development proposals ensuring infrastructure is future-ready, compliant, and durable.

You will serve as a trusted advisor for the Council in pre-application discussions, support strategic growth planning initiatives, and guarantee that all assets vested to the Council align with quality and service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead senior-level technical activities within development engineering.
• Assess engineering details in resource consent applications.
• Authorize Engineering Approvals and enforce Council standards compliance.
• Contribute technical advice and capacity evaluations for district growth planning.
• Review flood assessment designs and regulate finished floor levels to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with operational teams to assure superior quality of asset delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong, trusted partnerships with developers, consultants, iwi, and internal stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates will be experienced civil or development engineers who skillfully navigate technical intricacies, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused outcomes. You must exhibit sound judgment, confidence in decision-making, and an ability to balance quality, risk, and pragmatism.

Key qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Natural Resources Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in engineering design, review, or construction activities.
• Strong familiarity with New Zealand engineering standards and legislation, including NZS 4404 and the Resource Management Act.
• Hands-on experience with resource consent processes and development approvals.
• Exceptional relationship-building capabilities across various stakeholder groups.
• Attention to detail coupled with a collaborative, solution-focused mindset.
• Experience working in local government is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Flexible working arrangements promoting work-life balance.
• Life insurance and paid sick leave starting from your first day.
• Annual paid wellbeing and volunteer days for personal growth and community support.
• Career coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Three days paid leave during Christmas and New Year holiday period.
• Two weeks paid partner's leave.
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions even during savings suspension.
• Discounts available at local and national businesses.

About Selwyn District Council

Selwyn District is among New Zealand's fastest-growing regions with excellent living standards, vibrant communities, and a strong economy. The Council is dedicated to collaborating with residents to provide beneficial services and infrastructure that foster community growth and wellbeing.

Our head office is situated in Rolleston, just 25 km from Christchurch, offering an enviable family lifestyle with excellent amenities and easy access to Canterbury's scenic outdoors including ski fields, rivers, and hills.

Our Values

• Be a good human.
• Be brave - think differently.
• Better together - make it happen for Selwyn.

Additional Information

We respect Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commit to working alongside our Treaty partners to uphold our responsibilities under the Treaty.

Community safety is paramount; this position requires successful completion of police vetting and drug and alcohol testing.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis — apply promptly to play a key role in shaping the future of Selwyn.