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Your Council

Careers

Tā tātou atarua – Our vision 

By investing in our people, caring for the environment, respecting the Mana Whenua cultural heritage, and enabling investment, growth, and development we will enrich our district and the people that reside here.

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

When you join the Westland District Council, you become part of a team who work hard to deliver a high level of service to the ratepayers and residents of the Westland District.

Based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast, surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains, with the river and lakes nearby, working for Westland District Council is an opportunity to be part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community.

If you are looking for a career opportunity where the work you do has a real, positive impact on the community, then you have come to the right place.

For further information about any role advertised or working at Westland District Council, please contact hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

How to apply

You can apply online, with your full CV and cover letter.

Alternatively, your application form, along with a full CV and cover letter should be emailed to hr@westlanddc.govt.nz, or mailed to Westland District Council, 36 Weld Street, Private Bag 704, Hokitika 7842.

Current vacancies

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Help Young People into Employment and Build Stronger Communities

We are looking for a proactive and people-focused Employment Navigator to connect young people with real job opportunities. If you have a background in employment services, recruitment, or youth development and enjoy working with businesses and communities to create meaningful outcomes, this could be the role for you.

You’ll be the key link between young job seekers, employers, and community organisations, helping to match the right people with the right opportunities. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, building employer partnerships, or organising job expos, your work will directly support young people into sustainable employment.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Working with young people to build confidence, develop skills, and secure jobs.
  • Partnering with local businesses to create real employment opportunities.
  • Managing job placements and ensuring young people have the support they need to succeed.
  • Organising events, employer meetups, and networking sessions to connect job seekers with industry.
  • Promoting the MTFJ programme and its impact in the community.

If you have experience in employment services, recruitment, youth work, or a related field, along with strong networking skills to build relationships with employers and stakeholders—and the ability to engage and mentor young people into employment—this is the job for you.

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply above'. 

A full position description is available here.

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 24 March 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Permanent - Full time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Due to a staff relocation, we are seeking a positive and organised Senior RMA Compliance Officer to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. Joining a dynamic team, you will investigate and recommend course of action in line with the Resource Management Act 1991 or Westland District Council policies, contribute to policies and documents as required and provide support to other team members. 

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

  • A tertiary qualification in resource management, planning or related fields.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in resource management compliance and enforcement activities .
  • Experience assessing policies and their implication .
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • An understanding of the Council environment, and an appreciation for the political and sensitive nature of Local Government.
  • A valid full New Zealand driver’s licence. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Te Kahui o Poutini – Westland District Council, you will become part of a dedicated and experienced team that strive to work collaboratively both within Council and the community we serve. 

We offer:

  • KiwiSaver 3% additional.
  • 3 days extra leave between Christmas and New Year’s.
  • Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook.
  • No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

A full position description is available here.

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply above'. 

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 28 March 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Permanent - Part time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Te Kahui o Poutini - Westland District Council is based in Hokitika on the South Island’s beautiful West Coast. This is your opportunity to work in an area that is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, rivers and lakes. You will become part of and contribute to a growing vibrant community, where the great outdoors is right on your doorstep.

We are seeking a positive and energetic lifeguard to join us on a permanent, part-time basis (20 hours per week). You will be flexible in your availability, as we work on a roster that can change. Ensuring a safe environment for our patrons, you will be joining a team where everyone gives a helping hand when needed.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

·         The ability to swim at a proficient level

·         Excellent customer service and communication skills

·         Knowledge of pool operating procedures, including health and safety requirements

·         A current Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate (preferred – we are prepared to train the right candidate)

·         A current First Aid Certificate (preferred – we are prepared to train the right candidate)

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at the Hokitika Swimming Pool as part of Council, you will become part of a fun and dynamic team, where we work with all walks of life as they enjoy our facilities. If you are looking to return to the workforce, this could be a great opportunity to do so.  

We offer:

·         KiwiSaver 3% employer contribution

·         Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook

·         No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

This is your chance to work in the Westland District. Apply directly on our website: https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/your-council/careers/ 

An application form, along with a full CV and cover letter is required to apply for the position. You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

A full position description is available here.

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 6 April 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Fixed-term - Full time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

Are you a highly organised and proactive administrator looking for a dynamic role? We’re seeking an experienced Senior Administrator to provide essential support across our leadership team on an initial 6 month fixed-term basis. This is a dynamic and varied role, requiring strong coordination, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. 

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

  • Proven experience in a senior administrative or office management role.
  • Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritise.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital scheduling tools.
  • A professional, adaptable, and solutions-focused approach 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Te Kahui o Poutini – Westland District Council, you will become part of a dedicated and experienced team that strive to work collaboratively both within Council and the community we serve. 

We offer:

  • KiwiSaver 3% additional.
  • Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook.
  • No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

A full position description is available here.

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply above'. 

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 9 April 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Permanent - Full time

He angitūtanga - The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Building Control Officer - Processing to join us on a permanent, full-time basis. Joining a dedicated team, you will perform a range of tasks relating to building-related BCA and Territorial Authority (TA) functions. This primarily involves processing building consent applications, Certificates of Acceptance, Project Information Memorandums and Exemptions and TA related activities.

He kōrero mōu - About you

You will have:

  • 3-5 years experience in a similar role.
  • R1-2 and C1-2 competency.
  • A qualification recognised in Regulation 18 of the Building Regulations 2006 Act is essential. This must be a diploma or bachelor’s in construction, surveying, drafting, engineering or similar.
  • A thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and bylaws.
  • High level of computer literacy especially with relevant programmes/software.
  • Excellent communication and time management skills.
  • An understanding of the Council environment, and an appreciation for the political and sensitive nature of Local Government.
  • A valid full New Zealand driver’s license.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou - What we offer

Working at Te Kahui o Poutini – Westland District Council is an opportunity to build on your experience as a Building Control Officer and broaden your skill set through training, development and practice in a wide range of job-specific tasks and activities.  

We offer:

  • 3 days extra leave between Christmas and New Year’s.
  • Views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mount Cook.
  • No traffic lights!

Tono mai ināianei - Apply now 

A full position description is available here.

To apply for this position, see 'How to Apply above'. 

For enquiries about the role, please email hr@westlanddc.govt.nz.

Applications close 20 April 2025 or when the vacancy is filled. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.


Pre-employment checks

Please be aware that Westland District Council will undertake the following background checks on all potential new employees such as:

  • Police vetting
  • Identity check
  • Evidence of qualification
  • Referee check
  • Digital literacy assessments
  • Child Safety Checks for roles identified as Children’s Workers under the Children’s Act 2014.

Prior to your application please ensure you are able to meet these requirements.