Specialist Urban Design

He kōrero mōu: About you

• Are you an urban designer with a passion for Tamaki Makaurau?
• Looking for a change of scene, scale, or responsibilities?
• Do you want to be a part of the team that shapes and safeguards Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique environments and communities for future generations!

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We are recruiting for a Specialist Urban Designer role for the Council’s Tāmaki Makaurau Design Ope, (TMDO) previously Urban Design Unit. We are part of the Policy, Planning and Governance division, where policy and strategic directions shape how our city grows for the future. TMDO provides design leadership, high-quality advice, and considerable expertise in the technical fields of urban, Māori, and universal design; landscape architecture; and planning. We follow collaborative and innovative practices, striving to ensure that best possible design outcomes are achieved, every time.

In this pivotal role, you'll be at the forefront of providing expert urban design advice that will shape our city. Our collective mahi inputs into regional and national strategies; influencing projects at site, precinct, centre, and regional scales. The role is region wide and encompasses urban and residential developments at all scales and complexities. From major land use resource consent applications to subdivisions, your expertise will contribute to achieving high quality urban design outcomes for the city. You'll have the opportunity to influence Unitary Plan changes and be part of developing best practice design guidance with a focus on built environment, community outcomes, and public realm design review.

As a representative of Te Kaunihera, your expertise will be sought after in various settings, including pre-application meetings, Auckland Urban Design Panels, Council hearings, meetings, and forums. Your ability to provide expert advice on urban built environment and public realm will be crucial to this role. Through well-crafted written reports, and persuasive oral and visual communication, you'll advocate for Te Kaunihera's standpoint.

We're committed to fostering highly skilled and knowledgeable urban design practices including Māori Design principles. As part of our team, you'll contribute to the formulation of urban design related strategies, policies, and guidelines. Building and leveraging relationships and partnerships across the Council and the industry will be key to promoting best practices in urban design and achieving great urban, environmental and community outcomes.  We are looking for passionate, talented, and collaborative people to join our unique and skilful team!

Click link to access Position Description

He kōrero mōu: About you

To thrive in this role, you will need a post-graduate qualification in urban design, with an undergraduate degree in a related field and be eligible for membership with a relevant professional organisation. As a professional with a minimum of 3 years in urban design, you will have proven skills in delivering urban design projects, residential design & development, masterplans, understanding of best practice urban design, the Resource Management Act including the plan development and        resource consent processes, plus an in-depth understanding of legislation relating to urban design, particularly in the Tāmaki Makaurau context.

Your ability to lead specialist design advice to the urban and public realm matters, will set you apart. Building and maintaining relationships will come naturally to you, and you'll thrive in a collaborative environment where we work together to achieve organisational goals. Your expertise with Adobe Creative Suite applications, Sketch-Up and CAD platforms, hand drawing and Microsoft Office will be invaluable.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
We have plenty of benefits including flexible working arrangements, a multi-disciplinary and supportive learning environment, and a robust remuneration package including access to numerous benefits and discounts (Click the link to explore our employee benefits package).

Apply today if you want to be a part of the team that shapes and safeguards Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique environments and communities for future generations!

Applications close ( 20th April)
Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.