Associate Environmental Advisor

Full job description
Transpower is the backbone of New Zealand's energy system, committed to environmental sustainability and a reliable electricity supply as we transition to a net zero carbon economy.

Our National Grid is a living, evolving asset, now entering a major phase of development and upgrades to meet growing electrification targets.

About the team

The Environmental Consents and Compliance Team provides expert advice and support across the country, balancing operational needs with environmental stewardship and contributing directly to Transpower's social licence to operate.

The team delivers the environmental components of large-scale, nationally significant programmes such as pole replacements, tower-to-pole conversions, foundation refurbishments, transformer upgrades, substation expansions, and the construction oversight of major new builds.

About the opportunity - newly created entry level role!

We're looking for an Associate Environmental Advisor who's ready to get hands-on and make a real difference in how Aotearoa moves towards a low-carbon future. You'll support the upgrade and maintenance of the National Grid by helping ensure our projects meet high environmental standards through best practice and regulatory compliance.

Based in Wellington or Hamilton, you'll lead the use of our Environmental Screening Tool and assessment process, while providing valuable support to Environmental Advisors and other members of the Environment Group. You'll help manage environmental risks and compliance, working closely with Project Managers and regional Service Delivery teams to ensure projects meet all required environmental standards and approvals.

About you

You care deeply about making a difference for the environment. You're curious, eager to learn, and ready to take on new challenges as you grow your career in environmental management.

Your tailored CV and cover letter will demonstrate:

Up to two years' experience in planning or resource management, ideally involving some exposure to the resource consent process or environmental assessments
Growing confidence communicating with a wide range of audiences, including iwi/hapu, councils, and internal teams
A knack for solving problems related to environmental approvals and compliance, or a willingness to develop these skills
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting and sharing project learnings
A collaborative attitude focused on helping improve how things get done
A foundational understanding of resource consent and designation processes
Nice to have but not essential:

Knowledge of New Zealand environmental legislation including the Resource Management Act (RMA)
Experience with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and environmental-based software or willingness to learn
Some awareness of the energy sector and its environmental responsibilities
What sets this role apart?

It's the opportunity to make it your own!

If you're ready to get stuck in and build practical skills on projects that support New Zealand's move to a low-carbon future, this role offers genuine career growth in a sector that's only gaining momentum. You'll work alongside a team of smart, dedicated people who are generous with their knowledge and passionate about what they do.

With a strong pipeline of work ahead, you'll enjoy variety, challenge and solid support as you learn to engage with key stakeholders, apply sound judgement on site when things don't look quite right, and stay sharp as environmental regulations continue to evolve. All of this while gaining experience across a wide range of natural environments and regulatory settings.

Join us at Transpower

Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. Every home, every marae, every electric vehicle, every hospital relies on the electricity we manage and deliver. This is your opportunity to join us on a mission that affects all New Zealanders, every day, and long into the future.

With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and rich experience which they love to share. We work in the office or on-site for a minimum of three days each week, which helps us build and maintain relationships, support learning, deliver outcomes and sustain our culture. This approach also offers staff the flexibility they need for both work and personal commitments, with adaptable daily start and finish times.

We prioritise employee wellbeing with a range of health and wellness benefits. Check them out here: Staff benefits | Transpower

Next steps

If you're early in your environmental career and keen to build your skills on meaningful projects that support a more sustainable energy future, we'd love to hear from you. Please review the position description and apply today.

Role closes Sunday, 17 August; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and exploratory conversations may begin before the closing date to support shortlisting.

Existing eligibility to work in New Zealand with the qualifications specified above is a requirement.