Solicitor

Department of Conservation (DOC); Wellington; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking two solicitors for roles focused on compliance, law enforcement, and policy within conservation law. These positions offer opportunities to engage in a variety of legal practice areas, advocating for New Zealand's unique species and ecosystems while contributing to meaningful conservation outcomes.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Compliance and law enforcement experience preferred for Prosecutions role.
• Understanding of Treaty of Waitangi principles.
• Practical experience in legal advice and court appearances.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare court documents.
• Advise on compliance, law enforcement, and active investigations.
• Support operational policy and legislative processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Team player

Self-starter

Education

LLB or higher

Job description

Solicitor – Prosecutions and Compliance (Intermediate) – permanent (multiple locations)

Solicitor – Policy and public law (Intermediate) – fixed term through until February 2026 (Wellington based)

• Opportunity to be involved in a variety of legal practice areas and contribute to conservation outcomes in Aotearoa.
• For the Prosecutions and Compliance role, the opportunity to be involved in conservation compliance and law enforcement, including prosecutions, infringement notices, and to advocate for nature and our unique species and wildlife.
• Two roles: Permanent role which can be based in either our Hamilton, Rotorua, Wellington or Dunedin offices. The fixed term role is to be based in Wellington.
  
  

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive

Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

• Protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
• Managing threats and adverse impacts
• Being a voice for conservation
• Connecting people to nature
  
  

He angitūtanga | About the roles

Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation (DOC) is looking for one permanent and one fixed term solicitor to utilise their legal skills to advocate for conservation values.

Solicitor – Prosecutions and Compliance:

The Prosecutions and Compliance role will have a focus on compliance and law enforcement, and include opportunities for court work. DOC's prosecution and infringement offence function is managed from Rotorua, but the work will span all parts of Aotearoa. If based in Rotorua, your work will be supervised by the Solicitor (Compliance and Law Enforcement), and you will work alongside a part-time Legal Administrator. If based in either Hamilton, Wellington or Dunedin you will join other experienced solicitors in that office and be in regular touch with the Solicitor (Compliance and Law Enforcement) based in Rotorua.

The focus of this role is on compliance and law enforcement, including prosecutions, infringement notices, and advising on active investigations. An interest in other areas of law relevant to DOC's business would be advantageous, such as administrative law, Treaty of Waitangi, land, commercial, employment, health and safety, official information and privacy law.

This is a fast-paced and rewarding role, with varied mahi. You will conduct legal research, prepare court documents, collaborate with internal staff and liaise with court staff, external lawyers and the public. You will also provide legal input and advice on DOC's business, legal risk, and legislation administered by DOC and other agencies. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in prosecutions, including interesting and sometimes high-profile cases.

Solicitor – policy and public law:

The primary focus of this position will be operational policy, providing legal advice on public and administrative law issues and providing support for legislative process in the broader context of Treaty of Waitangi considerations.

The position will be focussed on:

• Providing advice on operational policy and supporting the national policy team;
• Providing legal input and advice into DOC's work pursuant to the legislation it administers such as the Conservation Act, Wildlife Act and Marine Mammals Act, including supporting more senior members of the team working with Crown Law on litigation matters;
• Assisting internal teams and providing legal support and advice to teams such as the permissions and statutory land management teams;
• Providing input and advice on DOC's activities, legislation administered by DOC, and other agencies, e.g. on work relating to the granting of permits and concessions.
  
  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

These are varied and challenging roles. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate practical legal advice in a non-technical manner are essential. While you will be a committed team player, you will also be a self-starter and be able to work independently.

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• Compliance, law enforcement and prosecution related experience preferred for the Prosecutions role;
• Experience or interest in other areas of legal services relevant to DOC's business;
• LLB or higher, with NZ practising certificate or eligibility to obtain one;
• An understanding of policy and practice issues relevant to DOC's business;
• An understanding of how the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi relate to DOC's work;
• Proven ability to communicate with clarity and confidence and to produce clear, accurate and efficient written advice and documents;
• Practical experience providing advice to clients or in conducting cases and appearing before Courts and Tribunals;
• Sound knowledge of the justice system, the parliamentary and legislative system and public service administration;
• For the Prosecutions and Compliance role, a full NZ Drivers' Licence is required, to travel and attend regional courts.
  
  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Legal Services Unit is part of the Policy and Regulatory Services Group. We provide legal advice on many aspects of DOC's business. We have 30+ solicitors throughout New Zealand, located in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Invercargill, Nelson, Whangarei, Tauranga and Hamilton. We cover a wide range of legal and Treaty of Waitangi related work. We deliver efficient and effective legal services focused on the Minister's priorities. We have strong relationships with DOC's other business units and other organisations.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for these roles are $95,706 – $128,271,with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11.59 Tuesday 3rd June 2025

Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries, please contact Lisa Brown, [e-mail]

Taupānga| Job Reference: DOC/1859502