Waste Planning Advisor

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

Auckland Council's Waste Solutions department has an opportunity for a Waste Planning Advisor (data and insights) to join the Waste Planning team. 

A key focus will be developing the team’s capability to collect, process, analyse, and report on waste data, turning insights into practical actions for a range of stakeholders. You’ll also play a key role in guiding the implementation, and evaluation of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP), helping to drive Auckland’s progress toward its zero-waste goals.  

Data is a critical part of our department's work. Every project, trial, initiative, policy change, or service improvement relies on data in some way. Regardless of what we're doing, we need data to measure outcomes, evaluate effectiveness, and support decision-making. You'll combine technical expertise, relationship building and project delivery to influence positive change, turning data and insights into practical solutions that make a real difference. 

Your work will help inform major decisions about waste services, infrastructure, policy and investment across Auckland. 

You can expect to:  

• Drive continuous improvement in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of waste data.  

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of policies, projects, programmes, and plans through effective data gathering, processing and analysis.  

• Build strong relationships with industry, contractors, Local Boards and staff to improve data quality and processes to support better waste outcomes. 

• Support reporting and engagement with Council Committees, Local Boards, industry and Aucklanders.  

• Analyse waste data, identify anomalies, trends, opportunities, and translate insights into practical recommendations that support informed decision-making. 

He kōrero mōu: About you 

You'll enjoy working with a range of datasets, building relationships, solving complex problems and influencing positive change. You communicate confidently, can translate technical information into clear and concise advice, and thrive in an environment where collaboration, initiative and adaptability are highly valued. 

We are looking for someone with: 

• Experience with the collection, collation, processing, and analysis of data to enable prioritisation of the data and reporting work programme.  

• Relevant tertiary degree or equivalent gained through operational experience in commercial and / or local government waste management. 

• We welcome applications from experienced analysts, data professionals and advisors from a range of sectors. Experience in waste management is beneficial but not essential. 

• Highly organised – plans & prioritises well and manages time to focus self and others on the most important activities. 

• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the confidence to influence a diverse range of stakeholders. 

• Ability to identify and seek out ongoing data sources that reduce gaps in knowledge. 

• Advanced analytical capability using tools such as Python, R, Excel, Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms. 

• Strong data manipulation, statistical and mathematical skills.  

• Knowledge of geospatial data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

It would be advantageous if you also have: 

• Experience working within local government and waste  

• Knowledge of waste policy, procurement processes or the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. 

• Experience working alongside Māori or supporting outcomes aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city. 

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible.  

You’ll have access to a range of fantastic Auckland Council benefits, EAP services, an Oranga Day and discounted Leisure Centre membership and a range of other partnership discounts! View a snapshot of some of our employee benefits here:  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCrGnm_Fy1RMrhSkvVZaf3GPtZDk3BLd/view?usp=sharing 

We are a diverse organisation – we value diversity in our thinking, and we can only achieve that with a diverse team! 

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini - My success is not mine alone, but the success of many. 

Tono Mai: Apply Now! 

You can find the position description here 

Applications close: Wednesday 12th August 2026 

This role is a Band (F)