Permissions Advisor | Kaitohu Whakaaetanga

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

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Permissions Advisor. The role involves processing applications for the management of conservation land and protected wildlife, including pre-application discussions, assessment, and reporting for decisions.

You will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure professional outputs. The position is permanent and full-time, based in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Hokitika, offering a dynamic environment with flexible working considerations and a

Qualifications

• Clear written and verbal communication, able to build trust with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical ability to convert data into professional reports.
• Capable of juggling multiple tasks with good organisation.
• Understanding of relevant legislative processes and environmental planning context.

Responsibilities

• Process applications related to management of conservation land and protected wildlife.
• Support pre-application discussions, assess and analyse applications, and write final reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to provide professional advice.
• Work collaboratively in an inclusive team to ensure high-quality outputs.
• This permanent, full-time role can be based in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Hokitika.

Skills

Communicator

Analytical skills

multitasking

Legislation awareness

Job description

• Contribute to the regulatory management of Aotearoa’s natural resources
• Provide quality advice and process applications related to commercial and recreational use of conservation land and protected wildlife
• Permanent, full-time role 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. OurPermissions 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 ofsubmittedapplications from having pre-application discussions, assessment, and analysis of the application through towritingreports 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 andmaintainingrelationships with a wide range of people, stakeholder groups and industries, providing professional advice and support to internal and external customers.

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• 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.

Want to know more?

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.

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

Me he pātai anā, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

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

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