Senior Investigator (Special Programmes)

Ministry for Primary Industries; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Extra annual leave

Eye test reimbursement

Job summary

MPI's Special Programmes Unit in Wellington seeks an experienced Senior Investigator (Special Programmes) to lead undercover operations targeting serious offending against New Zealand's primary industries. You will play a key role as an undercover officer or controller in short-term operations and support the CHIS programme.

The role requires resilience, initiative and integrity, with travel up to six days per month.

Qualifications

• Experience cultivating and operating CHIS.
• Experience as an undercover officer or operator.
• Investigator with interviewing, case-file management and exhibit handling.
• Current full NZ driver licence with any required endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Lead CHIS investigations and short-term covert operations.
• Conduct interviews, manage case files and exhibits.
• Coordinate with MPI teams and ensure compliance and integrity.

Skills

CHIS experience

Undercover officer

Interviewing

Case management

Exhibit handling

Interpersonal skills

Driver's licence

Job description

Job Title: Senior Investigator (Special Programmes)Role Type: Permanent, Full TimeLocation: Wellington (please enquire regarding other main centres)Salary Band: COPS SI8-SI10 - $110,068 to $115,392 depending on skills and experienceAbout the Role - Korero mo te TurangaYou will join an experienced team conducting covert operations targeting serious offending against New Zealand's primary industries.You will be involved as an undercover officer or operator (controller) in short-term operations and will also be a key part in MPI's CHIS programme.This is a challenging position requiring resilience, initiative, and self-motivation.Short-listed candidates may be required to attend a multi-day assessment centre in Wellington as part of the selection process.Note there is travel required for this role up to six days per month. Note these dates can be flexible around personal life arrangements.About You - MouTo be considered for this role you will need extensive experience cultivating and operating CHISand preferably have experience as an undercover officer or operator.You will have extensive experience as an investigator, including conducting interviews, case file management, and exhibit handling.You will have excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgement and integrity, and high standards of work performance.You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or provisional) or equivalent full foreign drivers licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.About the Team - Mo to matou RopuThe Special Programmes Unit is part of the Compliance Investigations and Support Directorate which sits within Corporate Services, and is made up of investigators, investigations analysts and investigations coordinators with diverse professional backgrounds and subject matter expertise.The Compliance Investigations and Support Directorate is responsible for undertaking significant, complex, and novel investigations relating to Acts administered by MPI. We have staff spread across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu MatuaWe're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki - guardianship of our natural resources.Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu MatuaUp to 3 additional MPI leave daysAbility to purchase extra annual leaveBi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/framesSecurity checks - Nga Taki WhakahaumaruHigher level Security Clearancemost preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, ORis a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.Credit check - Tirotiro namaPlease note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamatau Whakapoauau me te WaipiroPlease note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(s) for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.To view the position description and/or apply online, please click \"APPLY FOR THIS JOB\" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.Applications close at 11.59pm Thursday 19 November 2026If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail] MPI here - Whaia nga tuhononga ki MPI i koneiFacebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X