Senior Permissions Advisor | Kaitohu Whakaaetanga Mātāmua

Department of Conservation (DOC); Christchurch; Remote; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Senior Permissions Advisor to support the application process, provide technical guidance, and produce high-quality written reports for decisions. The role focuses on statutory work, regulatory frameworks, and process improvements within a collaborative team.

Flexible locations include Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, with some remote options for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated strong analytical skills and ability to translate analysis into a professional report.
• Confident communicator who builds trust with others.
• Strong understanding of statutory work and the legislation the Department operates within.
• Knowledge of conservation regulation and legislative frameworks.
• Experience in project management, especially in leading process improvements.
• Competent in mentoring and coaching.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and apply work planning tools.
• Background or good understanding of planning/legislative processes.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the application process and providing technical support to peers in managing submitted applications.
• Holding pre-application discussions; critical assessment and analysis of complex applications resulting in quality written reports.
• Building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people and stakeholders, providing professional advice to internal and external customers.

Education

Tertiary qualification in environmental sciences, environmental protection, or related field

Job description

• Bring your statutory knowledge into this diverse role
• Exciting opportunity to contribute towards achieving DOC’s conservation goals
• Permanent, full-time position based in Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington. Other locations considered for the right candidate.

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 Hamilton, Dunedin, Christchurch and Hokitika, 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 Senior Permissions Advisor your role will be focused on:

• supporting the application process and providing technical support to your peers relating to the management of submitted applications; holding pre-application discussions; critical assessment, and analysis of complex applications cumulating in quality written reports for a final decision
• being directly involved in contributing to improving aspects of how we work, collaborating with others in an inclusive team process environment to ensure professional and high-quality outputs
• building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people, stakeholder groups and industries, and providing professional advice and support to internal and external customers.

This is a permanent, full-time position which can be based in Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington. Other locations will be considered for the right candidate. Please note: the successful candidate based in Dunedin and Christchurch will be fully remote.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a team player who is committed to process improvements.

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

• demonstrated strong analytical skills and be able to transfer analysis into a professional quality report
• a confident and able communicator who builds trust with others
• strong understanding of statutory work and the legislation the Department operates within
• knowledge of conservation regulation and legislative frameworks
• experience in project management, particularly in leading process improvements
• competent in mentoring and coaching
• able to manage having a number of tasks on the go and apply work planning and organising tools to make the best use of your time
• are solution focussed
• have a background or good understanding of planning/legislative processes

Desirable:

• experience in planning or regulatory work is advantageous
• a tertiary qualification in environmental sciences, environmental protection, or related field

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.

Want to know more?

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $80,695–$101,951, 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 Sunday, 18 October 2026. This advert may close early so please apply promptly.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at [e-mail]