Mr Wilson replaces long-standing staff member John Hollows, who left Fish and Game for a role with forestry company Earnslaw One.
Fish and Game chief executive Niall Watson said it was important for the organisation to have a person dedicated to providing links with local government and knowledge of the resource management issues of the day.
"There are ongoing land use and water quality issues. It's going to a busy period for the next few years as we work through those issues and how they affect rivers and fish."
Fish and Game operations manager Ian Hadland said the range of planning skills and experience Mr Wilson brought would add considerable value to the organisation's input into the Resource Management Act processes.
Mr Wilson had worked as a planner in the Department of Conservation's Southland Conservancy and undertaken contract consents work for the Waitaki District Council.
There were many regional and district plan changes on the agenda in Otago, including discussions about minimum flows for some important angling waters, he said.
"These will require a concentrated advocacy effort to ensure that angler and hunter interests in habitat for sports fish and game birds and public access are taken into account," Mr Hadland said.
Although Mr Wilson admitted to having only average skills as a gamebird hunter and angler himself, he said he was looking forward to making a contribution towards preserving the region's precious natural resources.
"This has benefits to the community beyond fishermen and duck shooters."
