Business Partner Occupational Health

Department Of Conservation; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

NZ-wide travel as required

Job summary

Department of Conservation is looking for a senior occupational health leader to shape health programmes, risk management and wellbeing initiatives across Aotearoa. You will partner with leaders, health providers, ACC and People & Culture to drive positive health outcomes and strengthen organisational capability.

Based in Christchurch (Mahaanui) or Nelson with flexible work location options across New Zealand, the role requires strategic advisory abilities and expertise in injury management,

Qualifications

• Significant experience in occupational health, workplace health advisory, rehabilitation or related field.
• Current APC as a Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or other health practitioner.
• Expertise in managing physical, psychosocial and hazardous substance health risks.
• Strong understanding of NZ health, safety, employment and privacy legislation.
• Experience with health monitoring, surveillance and risk management programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve DOC's occupational health programmes, frameworks and initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on occupational health risks, health monitoring and workplace exposures.
• Support effective injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-work outcomes.
• Lead ACC accreditation activities, assurance reviews and continuous improvement programmes.
• Build organisational capability through training, guidance and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Occupational health experience

Stakeholder engagement

Health risk management

Analytical thinking

Education

APC holder (Nurse/OT/Health Practitioner)

Job description

Shape the health, wellbeing and resilience of DOC's workforce by leading occupational health programmes that make a real difference across Aotearoa$110,033.00 - $145,000.00Permanent full time, Christchurch (Mahaanui) or Nelson location preferred - flexible work location options across Aotearoa

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

DOC is strengthening its Health, Safety and Security function to better support our people, manage critical risks, and build organisational resilience with a risk-informed and people-centred approach that focuses on learning, prevention, system stewardship, and partnership. These roles offer a unique opportunity to help shape how DOC supports its people, safeguards its operations, and delivers conservation outcomes across Aotearoa.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Protecting Aotearoa's natural heritage starts with protecting the people who care for it. Join DOC and play a key role in creating healthier, safer workplaces for our teams delivering conservation outcomes across the country. Based on the Occupational Health function, this role provides strategic advice, specialist expertise, and organisational leadership across occupational health, injury management, health monitoring, and workplace wellbeing initiatives. You'll partner with leaders, health providers, ACC, People & Culture, and stakeholders across DOC to drive positive health outcomes and strengthen organisational capability.

• Lead and continuously improve DOC's occupational health programmes, frameworks and initiatives
• Provide expert advice on occupational health risks, health monitoring, surveillance and workplace exposures
• Support effective injury management, rehabilitation and return-to-work outcomes
• Lead ACC accreditation activities, assurance reviews and continuous improvement programmes
• Build organisational capability through training, guidance and stakeholder engagement

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Significant experience in occupational health, workplace health advisory, rehabilitation or a related field
• Current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) as a Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist or other recognised Health Practitioner
• Expertise in managing physical, psychosocial and hazardous substance-related health risks
• Strong understanding of NZ health, safety, employment and privacy legislation
• Experience with health monitoring, surveillance and risk management programmes
• Knowledge of injury management, return-to-work practices and ACC accreditation requirements
• Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing and relationship management skills
• Ability to analyse information, identify trends and drive continuous improvement
• Full NZ drivers licence and ability to travel for work as required

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.

Salary: $110,033.00 - $145,000.00, 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 at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Please note, we're unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.