Strategic Planner (Resource Management)

(1)

Strategic Planner (Resource

Management)

Purpose of the position

• The Environmental Policy Group is responsible for developing, maintaining and reviewing MDC’s resource management framework. This framework, consisting of the Marlborough Regional Policy Statement, the Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan and the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan, enables and guides the sustainable use, development and protection of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources.

• Following a statutory review of the above framework, the Council has notified the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan to consolidate all of the above planning documents and provisions, to act on the outcome of the review, to address new issues and to give effect to national direction.

• The primary task for this role is to provide strategic direction to the sustainable management of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources through the ongoing administration of the resource management framework containing regional coastal, regional and district plan objectives, policies, rules and other methods.

• This includes assessing state of the environment information to identify issues, consulting with the community to set appropriate objectives, evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of options for achieving the objectives and providing the Council written advice with respect to each of these matters.

• This role is part of a dedicated team with the clear medium term objective of assisting the Council to complete the First Schedule process for the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan.

• From time to time there may also be the need to maintain the resource management framework through variations, plan changes or to respond to plan change requests.

• There may also be the need to respond to national direction

Who you report to

Environmental Policy Manager

Hours of business

Council’s hours of business are 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday. Your hours of work are as per your employment agreement or variation as recorded on your personnel file.

Location

Marlborough District Council, Seymour Street, Blenheim.

(2)

Date reviewed 17 November 2021 2

Person specification

Competencies Ability to demonstrate

Personal qualities • that you are well disciplined.

• that you are a quality conscious team player who meets time deadlines and seeks excellence in work outputs.

• that you relate well with people.

• that you are an organised person with a desire for doing the job right first time.

• that you have a keen interest in finding policy solutions to challenging policy issues/conflicts.

• that you have above average reading speed and sound comprehension.

• that you have proven advanced oral and written communication skills.

• that you can exercise sound judgement.

• that you can communicate effectively and with an open mind.

Technical skills • that you have a firm understanding of the importance of the “Plan-Do-Monitor-Review” loop in the context of continuous improvement in policy making.

• that you are able to identify and evaluate policy options.

• that you have a sound understanding of the functions of a Regional Council and of a District Council under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

• that you are proficient with the steps involved in the First Schedule process.

• that you are able to work in a political environment.

• that you have had experience in a Windows operating environment and are familiar and conversant with Microsoft Office and advanced keyboard skills.

Qualifications and work experience required

• that you have a tertiary qualification specialising in planning, resource management or a related field.

• that you have at least three years’ experience in the preparation of regional or district plan provisions (is preferred).

• alternatively, that you have had at least three years’

experience in the administration of regional or district plan provisions through the processing of resource consent applications or the monitoring of conditions of resource consents and permitted activity rules.

• that you are experienced in working in a political environment.

• that you have a sound understanding of the purpose and principles of the RMA and the way in which regional and/or district plans assist to achieve sustainable management of natural and physical resources.

(3)

Competencies Ability to demonstrate

• that you have an appreciation of and familiarity with the processes involved in policy making under the RMA, especially the First Schedule process.

• that you have an emphasis of running the plan

making/review processes effectively and efficiently and having particular regard to statutory obligations in this respect.

• that you have experience involving the community in the process of policy development and evaluation (or, alternative RMA processes), including effective engagement with iwi authorities.

(4)

Position description

Key responsibilities To achieve this you will need to

As a result we will see

Ensure that the overall objective of enabling use, development and protection of natural and physical resources while protecting the environment is achieved.

Ensure that policy development clearly shows that this matter is given effect to.

Satisfied Environmental Policy Manager.

Feedback from the community.

The results of the state of the environment reporting.

Review and develop objectives, policies and methods to

address Marlborough’s

resource management issues.

Ensure that policy development clearly shows this matter is considered.

Assess the results of state of the environment monitoring.

Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of policy options on an ongoing basis.

Apply Section 32 of the RMA to the task of policy evaluation.

Good quality policy evaluation and accurate Section 32 reports.

Integrate the management of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources.

Understand the nature of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources and the connections between them.

Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Council’s Departments and others involved in the management of natural and physical resources.

The effects of resource use, development and protection are effectively and appropriately

managed.

Take responsibility for allocated tasks.

Ensure responsibilities are achieved in terms of quality and timeliness.

When required, manage specialist external consultants and contracts.

In consultation with the

Environmental Policy Manager, ensure appropriate specialists are selected and contractually managed.

Liaise with Resource Consent Officers and Environmental Protection Officers to:

• Ensure impact of policy changes is understood.

• Get feedback on the implementation of provisions.

Ensure regular dialogue and reports are produced outlining issues.

Satisfied Environmental Policy Manager, Manager Resource Consents and Compliance Manager.

(5)

Key responsibilities To achieve this you will need to

As a result we will see

Ensure liaison with key stakeholders is undertaken.

Ensure stakeholders such as Iwi, Central Government and appropriate organisations consulted.

Feedback from stakeholders.

Consult with the community to gather information to inform the identification and evaluation of policy options.

Develop and successfully implement strategies to ensure effective community

engagement.

Good quality policy evaluation and accurate Section 32 reports.

Feedback from Mayor and Councillors.

Engage with Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi.

Ensure regular dialogue with Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi to ensure their aspirations are reflected in resource management policy.

Consider relevant iwi management plans and statutory acknowledgements.

Feedback from iwi authorities.

Liaise with Mayor and Councillors to ensure that political aspirations are understood.

Meet with appropriate people to ensure this occurs.

Provide advice and briefings to Mayor and Councillors on policy issues.

Present to Mayor, Councillors and other groups.

Prepare and present reports (including Section 42A reports) to Councillors and

Commissioners.

Feedback from Mayor, Councillors and

Commissioners.

Attendance at relevant Council meetings and public forums, as required.

Present information, professional advice and recommendations. Follow up, implement decisions, and represent Council as necessary.

Contribute to continuous improvement.

Show support for and

implement protocols that form part of the Regulatory

Department’s ISO: 2008 procedures.

Relevant staff audits and management reviews show compliance in accordance with procedures (internal and external audits).

(6)

Organisation chart

(7)

Marlborough District Council

Strategic framework

Over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprises, known for its economic efficiency, quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment. Marlborough will be “Smart and Connected”.

The role of a local authority is defined in the Local Government Act 2002

Marlborough District Council (MDC) is a Unitary Authority required to carry out the functions of both a territorial authority and a regional council. Therefore Council has a wide range of activities that it undertakes – many of which it must carry out by law, including:

• key infrastructure: roads, footpaths, water, sewerage, rivers and drainage, waste

• regulatory responsibilities: Resource management act policies, monitoring and consents, building consents, maritime navigation and safety, biosecurity, food and liquor

• community facilities and support: parks and reserves, libraries, community grants, emergency management, community housing

• regional development: economic development, tourism and events, irrigation, car parking.

Organisational values

Staff enjoy working for MDC

MDC’s values and behaviours are based on Respect, Professionalism and Integrity. MDC is committed to an environment that supports professional development, an equal opportunities workplace and a positive culture.

Supporting organisational values

All staff are expected to endorse and support the Council’s Strategy, Goal and Values and actively work to achieve them, behaving with the highest level of professionalism and integrity and

exhibiting courtesy and impartiality towards colleagues and the community.

Our values are:

• We are open, transparent and collaborative

• We are partners with our tangata whenua iwi

• We involve and respect our many cultures

• We are innovative and strive for excellence

• We are adaptive and responsive to community needs

• We work in an environmentally sustainable manner

(8)

Organisational responsibilities

Key responsibilities To achieve this you will need to As a result we will see Continuous

improvement

Staff are required to continually seek opportunities to improve services for their customers.

Improvements suggested.

Procedures and processes are re-designed and developed.

Be aware of and

comply with risk policy and giving advice

Everyone has a responsibility to understand, report and manage

operational and compliance risk. All staff must familiarise themselves and comply with Council risk management policies and procedures.

No infractions.

Corporate contribution Show support for organisation development initiatives, eg, systems thinking, culture reinforcement, and organisational values.

Active participation and contribution to continuous improvement.

Be a team player adhering to, and compliance with Council’s governance and corporate plans, policies and strategies, management plans, policy and procedure manuals, strategic and business plans.

Satisfactory audit results.

Proactively participate in Performance Management process.

Active participation in agreed procedures.

Participate and contribute to corporate projects and inter-departmental initiatives as agreed.

Active participation in initiatives. Follow all

established procedures and use correct forms.

Attend team meetings. No meetings missed except for good reason.

Deal with the general public in a courteous and positive manner

All enquiries are processed quickly and accurately in an appropriate manner.

Public and client satisfaction.

Records Council records are created and maintained in corporate information systems, meeting specified information management standards.

No infractions.

Availability Take responsibility for your availability by ensuring periods of unavailability such as meetings, holidays etc. are clearly marked in Outlook using your calendar and out of office message facility.

No infractions.

(9)

Key responsibilities To achieve this you will need to As a result we will see Contribute to

achievement of MDC health and safety goals

Take responsibility for your own and others safety and wellbeing. This includes following all safety and wellbeing procedures and instructions, including reporting hazards, incidents, accidents and near misses and participating in safety and wellbeing initiatives and programmes as required.

Regular reviews with your manager to identify any health and safety risks, hazards, accidents and incidents.

Response in emergencies

Willingness to be available to assist during emergencies as and when they occur.

Staff work within their levels of competence and training.

Be available when called upon to assist as far as practicable.

Other duties That any additional duties or special projects that may be assigned from time to time are effectively and efficiently performed.

Results specific to the duties.

Record No. 1785131 v3