Senior Urban Designer
Wellington City Council
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future
We’re working hard to make Wellington an inclusive, sustainable and creative capital - a city where people can thrive. Our Planning and Environment Group plays a key role in this, leading work across housing, transport infrastructure, community, cultural spaces and Te Atakura.
Ngā Taipitopito Tūranga - Role details
City Design is the Council's in‑house design studio. We bring a design‑led, people‑first approach to shaping Wellington's future, and we work closely with teams across Council, partners and our communities to deliver public spaces that support a vibrant and functional city.
We're a tight, collaborative team that works closely supporting each other, sharing ideas and working collectively to deliver great outcomes for Pōneke.
We’re looking for a Senior Urban Designer to join us on a fixed‑term basis to cover a period of parental leave. This role has a strong project delivery focus and is ideal for someone who excels in dynamic site environments, confidently leads design discussions, drives construction delivery and ensures design quality throughout the build.
This is a chance to be part of a team dedicated to creating great public spaces for Wellingtonians.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do
This role blends design leadership with hands‑on delivery. You will lead projects and manage your own individual projects from concept to completion.
Working closely within our tight team structure, you will:
- Lead and manage the design and delivery of best‑practice public space projects, including construction delivery, site coordination and maintaining design integrity throughout the build
- Champion a design‑led approach, placing people and place at the centre of every decision
- Work hands‑on at construction sites as part of the client‑side delivery team, collaborating daily with contractors and project managers to solve problems, make real‑time design decisions and keep projects progressing smoothly
- Lead onsite design discussions, support quality assurance and contribute to project site documentation and reporting
- Advocate for and apply best‑practice urban design principles across a range of project types and scales to ensure high‑quality processes and outcomes
- Use strong 3D modelling, drawing and spatial design skills to shape the public domain, built form and spatial structure systems of the city
- Lead and manage concept design, detailed design and procurement processes, ensuring a seamless transition from design to delivery
- Effectively manage consultants, integrating specialist advice into cohesive and high‑quality design outcomes
You'll collaborate closely with Transport and Infrastructure, Parks and Open Spaces and other internal teams to ensure projects are integrated, well considered and aligned with Wellington's strategic direction.
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako - Qualifications and experience
To be successful, you'll ideally have an accredited qualification in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Urban Design, although we’re open to similar qualifications. You'll have at least seven years' experience in a relevant field, and strong experience in construction and in either the public or private sector. You'll bring experience delivering best practice urban design outcomes, and you’ll be confident engaging with stakeholders, leading design work and navigating both concept and detailed design phases.
Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity:
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility Support:
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Applications close on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand - we will not accept emailed applications.
All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check.
If you have questions, please contact Liam Farrell, Manager Public Space Design, liam.farrell@wcc.govt.nz
