Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture

Department of Conservation (DOC); Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 64,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working environment

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Hamilton is seeking a Statutory Advisor to manage permissions and regulatory applications across the region. This permanent, hybrid role requires applying policy and statutory processes with NZ conservation knowledge.

Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, you will provide high-quality regulatory advice, engage with iwi/hapū and stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement to deliver timely, fair decisions that reflect DOC’s obligations.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or related field is advantageous
• Experience applying policy and legislation to assess risk and priority
• Knowledge of NZ conservation and environmental legislation would be advantageous
• Analytical thinker who can provide technical advice to applicants and stakeholders
• Excellent communication to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Understanding iwi/hapū perspectives to inform decisions

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice on complex issues
• Apply Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives in assessments and recommendations
• Engage with iwi, hapū, applicants and stakeholders to support timely decisions
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency and user experience
• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate across teams to deliver a high-quality regulatory service

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Iwi/hapū perspectives

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Treaty relationships

Education

Regulatory or legal qualification (advantageous)

Job description

• Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what matters
• Permanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951 | Hybrid working environment
• Hamilton based, open to considering other locations dependent on the candidate
• Support the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki Region

Navigate complex statutory processes, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful Conservation outcomes!

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation (DOC) protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Our Regional Operations Group is at the forefront of this work, delivering conservation outcomes that protect the landscapes, species, and ecosystems that make New Zealand unique.

Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, the Statutory Advisor will manage the processing of permissions and other regulatory applications for the region, ensuring these are delivered efficiently, fairly, and in a way that reflects DOC’s statutory obligations and partnership commitments.

The position will be focussed on:

• Providing high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex and strategic issues, with a strong understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilities
• Applying knowledge of Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice, assessments, and recommendations
• Engaging effectively with iwi, hapū, applicants, and stakeholders, building respectful and trusted relationships to support timely and well-informed decision-making
• Bringing a continuous improvement mindset to identify efficiencies, strengthen processes, and improve customer and partner experience
• Using your excellent communication skills to provide clear, culturally competent advice and updates to internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborating across teams and disciplines, maintaining positive working relationships to keep work moving and deliver a high-quality regulatory service

Click here for the Role Description

This role is currently based in Hamilton, however we are open to considering candidates in other locations.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• A tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or a related field would be advantageous
• Some experience in applying policy, statutory processes, and legislation to assess risk, complexity, and priority, with an understanding of the natural resource policy environment. Knowledge of New Zealand conservation and environmental legislation, including associated statutory processes, would be advantageous.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to gather and interpret information to provide technical advice to applicants and stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep everything on track to meet deadlines
• Experience understanding and applying iwi/ hapū perspective to inform decisions
• Problem solving and continuous-improvement mentality, always seeking ways to improve systems and processes
• Solutions focussed and consistently act with integrity to deliver meaningful results
• A collaborative, team player who can build rapport easily with a range of people to get desired results
• Understands where the Māori–Crown relationship plays a key role in DOC’s responsibilities and decision making

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more?

Salary:

$80,695 - $101,951, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility:

You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th October.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]