Napier City Council is seeking an experienced Development Engineer for a 12-month fixed-term opportunity. This role is ideal for someone who can quickly build relationships, confidently manage development applications, and contribute within a fast-paced local government environment.

Working across a diverse portfolio of development and infrastructure projects, you’ll review engineering and consent applications, provide practical technical advice, and support quality infrastructure outcomes that align with Council standards and legislative requirements. You’ll work closely with developers, consultants, contractors, ratepayers, and internal teams to help keep projects progressing efficiently and effectively.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys balancing technical problem-solving with stakeholder engagement and is comfortable managing multiple priorities in a busy operational environment.

Te Āheinga - The Opportunity

• Review, assess, and process engineering approvals and consent applications in accordance with Council standards, legislation, and statutory timeframes.

• Provide practical engineering advice and guidance to developers, consultants, contractors, ratepayers, and internal stakeholders.

• Undertake site inspections and support compliance, infrastructure quality, service connection, and “As Built” documentation processes.

• Help facilitate efficient development outcomes while maintaining high technical and customer service standards.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including enhancements to Council systems, processes, and engineering standards.

• Collaborate across Council teams and represent Council professionally in meetings and hearings where required.

He kōrero mōhou - About You

• Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related discipline.

• Significant experience in development engineering, infrastructure delivery, or related engineering environments.

• Experience working within, or closely alongside, New Zealand local government environments will be highly regarded.

• Sound understanding of relevant legislation and standards, including the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act, Building Act, District Plans, and Council engineering requirements.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within deadline-driven environments.

• Strong relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to work constructively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Able to transition into the role within a timeframe that supports the needs of this fixed-term opportunity.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings practical development engineering experience, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach. Success in this role will come from being able to confidently navigate a busy environment, build trusted working relationships, and contribute positively to the team from an early stage.

Ngā painga mōhou - What we Offer

• 5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years service

• Discounted health insurance work scheme + Eye test subsidy

• Retailer discounts + study assistance

• Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

• Quarterly values awards + Birthday vouchers + Social club

• Free flu vaccinations (annual)

• Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga + NCC Kapa Haka

• Te Reo Māori language classes

This is a fixed term opportunity (12 months) to cover a period of parental leave. You’ll be working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday and based in Napier’s CBD.

The annual salary package for this role is between $105,700-$124,300 (including KiwiSaver), with the final offer depending on your skills and experience. Relocation packages are available for the right candidate.

We will be interviewing applications as we receive them and may close the role when we have found the right person.

He kōrero mō Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri - About NCC

At Napier City Council, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and work to make our hiring process fair and accessible. If you need any support or adjustments during your application or interview, let us know—we’re happy to help!

Our success is grounded in strong partnerships with Mana Whenua and Iwi, supported by our Māori Partnerships team, Te Waka Rangapū, which builds cultural capability through education and training.

Before you join, you’ll need to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal background checks, with some roles requiring health screening and drug & alcohol testing). As an NCC employee, you may also be called on to support Civil Defence emergencies when our community needs us most.

Please visit Napier City Council Careers website to see full job description

Job Description – Development Engineer