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.

This work brings variety, travel opportunities, and meaningful connection with regions across Aotearoa, helping to ensure we meet our obligations as both a network owner and a careful kaitiaki of the environment.

About the opportunity

We're looking for a passionate Environmental Advisor who wants to play a hands-on role in Aotearoa's low-carbon future, supporting the upgrade and maintenance of the National Grid while promoting environmental excellence.

Based in Wellington or Christchurch, you'll lead the environmental components of key national programmes focused on improving and upgrading existing grid assets. You'll also support maintenance teams with environmental compliance, training, and the promotion of best practice across your region.

You'll work across diverse and often complex sites, navigating environmental and planning requirements (including resource consents under the RMA and NESETA), with support from experienced environmental and project professionals. Day to day, you'll collaborate closely with your Team Leader and Senior Environmental Advisor to help ensure projects are delivered successfully and sustainably.

You'll also build strong working relationships with environmental consultants, iwi, landowners, councils, the Department of Conservation, and community groups - contributing to both individual projects and broader regional programmes of work.

This is a hands-on role involving regular travel and site visits, where you'll experience the National Grid in some of New Zealand's most unique environments. You'll attend toolbox and start-up meetings with crews, gaining direct insight into operational realities and helping ensure environmental practices are embedded where it matters most.

About you

With a background in planning, resource management, or environmental management/science, you're ready to contribute to the renewable energy transition. You're confident working with a wide range of stakeholders, comfortable influencing outcomes, and able to respectfully challenge when needed.

You bring strategic thinking, practical experience, and strong relationship skills to help navigate environmental challenges and keep projects moving.

Your tailored CV and cover letter will demonstrate:

A tertiary qualification in environmental planning, resource management, or environmental science.
Solid understanding of relevant legislation, particularly the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014. Experience in resource management within the electricity or infrastructure sectors is a distinct advantage.
Practical, on-the-ground technical skills, such as environmental compliance or auditing, erosion and sediment control, waterway management, or experience in ecology or archaeology.
Strong influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with councils, iwi/hapu, and other stakeholders.
An understanding of how to develop and implement environmental strategies and policies, and the drive to improve systems and accelerate delivery.
A commitment to high standards in planning, resource management, and environmental practice.
Desirable, but not essential:

Experience with statutory planning processes, including resource consents, Notices of Requirement, Outline Plans, and Plan Changes.
Graduate or Full Membership of the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI), or eligibility for Full Membership.
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 is 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 an environmental professional looking to apply your expertise to projects that support a reliable and sustainable electricity network, please review the position description and apply without delay.

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.