Senior Environmental Planners

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Our New Zealand Environmental Planning team continues to grow, with a strong pipeline of projects across the country. We’re looking for Senior to Associate Director level planning professionals to join our Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington teams, helping shape major projects and grow our presence.

This is an opportunity for experienced environmental and urban planners who combine technical expertise, strong client relationships and commercial acumen. You’ll support or lead complex multidisciplinary projects, contribute to strategic growth and collaborate across our wider Australia and NZ network.

As part of AECOM’s NZ Planning team, your role will include:

• Supporting or leading large-scale planning and environmental approval projects across New Zealand
• Providing strategic planning advice to public and private sector clients
• Building and strengthening trusted client relationships across key sectors
• Driving business development activities and identifying new opportunities for growth
• Supporting and mentoring planners across the wider team, helping develop technical capability and future leaders
• Contributing to master planning, strategic planning and policy development initiatives
• Supporting major infrastructure and renewable energy projects through planning approvals and stakeholder engagement
• Working collaboratively across AECOM’s ANZ network to deliver integrated solutions for clients

Qualifications

The qualities that help you thrive

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.

• A degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning or a related discipline
• 7 -15+ years’ experience in planning, environmental approvals and preferably project leadership in New Zealand
• Strong knowledge of the RMA, planning frameworks and consenting processes
• Experience bring part of or leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams
• Commercial awareness and business development capability
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• A collaborative l style and passion for mentoring others

Additional Information

Why you’ll love working with us

• Flexible work arrangements available, aligned with the market and client facing role requirements
• Purchase up to 6 weeks additional annual leave per year
• Volunteer and representation leave
• Flex public holidays – swap Easter or other holidays for ones that suit you better

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

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