Permissions Advisor | Kaitohu Whakaaetanga

Department of Conservation; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation is seeking a Permissions Advisor to support the processing of applications related to conservation land and protected wildlife, ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation.

Based in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Hokitika, this permanent full-time role involves assessing submissions, producing reports for decisions, and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver high-quality, timely outputs.

Qualifications

• Strong communication (written and verbal) with ability to build trust with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate analysis into a professional quality report.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and prioritise effectively.
• Understanding of relevant legislative processes and environmental management/planning background.

Responsibilities

• Support the application process from pre-application discussions through assessment and analysis to writing reports for final decisions.
• Write clear, professional reports for decision-makers.
• Collaborate with colleagues in an inclusive, team-based process to ensure high-quality outputs.
• Build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and internal/external customers.

Skills

Confident communicator

Analytical skills

Report writing

Multitasking

Time management

Legislative/environmental background

Job description

Contribute to the regulatory management of Aotearoa New Zealand's natural resources, provide quality advice and process applications related to commercial and recreational use of conservation land and protected wildlife.

This permanent, full-time role can be based in either Christchurch, Dunedin, or Hokitika.

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

About the role

Most activities on public conservation land, or in relation to protected wildlife, marine mammals or marine reserves, require approval from the Department. Our Permissions team members, located in Service Centres in Christchurch, Dunedin and Hokitika, along with a further team in Hamilton, process these applications. We help to ensure that activities occurring on public conservation land are undertaken in a manner that protects the values of the land and complies with the legislation.

As a Permissions Advisor, your key role will be supporting the application process relating to the management of: submitted applications from having pre‑application discussions, assessment, and analysis of the application through to writing reports for a final decision. You will be collaborating with others in an inclusive team process environment to ensure professional and high‑quality outputs.

You will be directly involved in building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people, stakeholder groups and industries, providing professional advice and support to internal and external customers.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• a confident and able communicator (both written and verbal) who builds trust with others'can demonstrate strong analytical skills and be able to transfer analysis into a professional quality report'able to manage having multiple tasks on the go and apply organising tools to make the best use of your time'have a sound understanding of the relevant legislative processes that we work under and/or an environmental management/planning background'

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: $69,429-$88,181, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid New Zealand work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 23 November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

For further enquiries about this role, please contact Christine Butler at [e-mail].