Job description–Investigating Officer

Job summary

Pursuant to the Resource Management Act 1991 and Taranaki Regional Council policy and rules, provide advice to the public and resource users, investigate applications for consents; inspect, monitor and report on authorised discharges; and where necessary respond to complaints and contingencies and undertake enforcement.

Schedule of duties

  1. Know and understand the Council’s policies and rules, under the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Maritime Transport Act 1994, so as to carry out the function of an enforcement officer and oil spill response training and operations under these acts.
  1. Provide advice to resource users, consent applicants and holders and other interested parties.
  1. Investigate and report on consent applications, for agricultural, oil and gas, and industrial waste discharges.
  1. Inspect, monitor and report on compliance with the Council’s policy, rules and consent conditions.
  1. Respond to complaints, self-notifications and contingencies implementing the Council’s contingency plans, including the marine oil spill plan, and undertaking enforcement where appropriate.
  1. Process Resource Consent applications as appropriate.
  1. Other duties as and when required by the Senior Investigating Officer, Compliance Manager and/or Director—Resource Management.

Qualifications, experience and requirements

  • A mature and a professional approach to duties
  • Excellent communication and liaison skills
  • Sound investigating, analysis and report writing skills
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to advocate and educate land users and others about the Council’s policies and rules
  • Sound, practical knowledge of rural activities and/or industrial operations
  • Ability to identify actual or potential sources of pollution, and provide advice on remedial action
  • Good health and fitness—the work is conducted in all weathers and often on rough terrain
  • Strong computer literacy
  • Current driver’s licence
  • An appreciation of Maori cultural and spiritual values
  • Knowledge of relevant farming and/or industrial practice, and some experience in the treatment and disposal methods for agricultural and industrial wastes is preferred
  • A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable
  • Knowledge of the Resource Management Act 1991 would be an advantage
  • Knowledge of the Maritime Transport Act 1994 would be an advantage

Special requirements

1.Required to work outside normal working hours when rostered on-call or in emergency situations.

2.May be expected to work under conditions in which personal risk is incurred and personal safety procedures must be adhered to.

3.Must comply with Council policy relating to the Health and Safety in Work Act 2015, and the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.

Salary range

A market salary for the position will be negotiated, depending on experience, qualifications and aptitude.

Position details

Position TypePermanent

Number453

Holder

DepartmentResource Management

SectionInspectorate

Responsible toSenior Investigating Officer

Subordinate staffNil

Functional relationshipsTaranaki Regional Council Inspectorate section

Other Taranaki Regional Council staff

Regional community

Other Regional Councils and territorial authorities

LocationBased at the Regional Council premises in Stratford, however required to travel throughout the Taranaki region as part of their daily duties.

Standard conditions of appointment

  1. The appointee must, at all times, abide by the terms and conditions of the Taranaki Regional Council Collective Employment Agreement and amendments and variations thereto.
  1. The appointee must, at all times, abide by the terms and conditions contained in the Council’s in-house manual entitled Working for the Taranaki Regional Council.
  1. Special conditions of appointment may apply to particular positions. These may include motor vehicle, special allowances, and other non-standard employment arrangements. Where such conditions apply, they will be separately added to the Job Description for the position concerned.
  1. Appointment to a permanent position with the Taranaki Regional Council shall be subject to a probationary period of six (6) months from the date of taking up the position.

Taranaki Regional Council #1888766