Emily - Resource Consent Planner (Environmental Consents Division)

 

• How long have you worked at HCC?

I started at HCC a week after my final exams at University and Ive been here for about a year and a half now.

 

• What attracted you to the role?

I had just finished a degree in Environmental Planning, and I knew I wanted to get into resource consents planning at a local authority. I wanted to be close to Wellington, where I have lots of friends and family, but I chose to start in a smaller council where the range of work is much better and there are plenty of opportunities for career development and training. Before my job interview I had never been to Lower Hutt but I was struck by how modern and progressive the city was, but how the special character of areas like Petone had been preserved.

 

• What does your job involve – day to day things?

As a Resource Consents Planner, it involves meeting with members of the public, developers, homeowners and a range of professionals to discuss various developments in Lower Hutt. I could be working on a modification to a historic building in Petone, a subdivision of a piece of land into new allotments in Stokes Valley, or the development of a new commercial venture.

 

• Things about the job that you enjoy the most…

Meeting with different groups and solving problems. Working within a small team is also fantastic and I get a lot of support from my colleagues. Building relationships with developers and architects and seeing projects through from concept stage until completion.

 

• What is your view of the main benefits of working at HCC / in Lower Hutt?

Working in a small, but forward-thinking local authority means there is plenty of different and exciting projects on the go all around the city. HCC is also a fantastic employer, and they have really invested in my professional development. HCC has given me a great start to my career.

 

• What skills & attributes do you think someone will need to do your job?

A sense of humour and the ability to work as part of a team, as well as with a range of parties.

Click here to view a Job Description for this role.