Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. Our Regional Operations Group delivers conservation outcomes, with the Statutory Advisor managing permissions and regulatory applications for the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki Region, reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager.

This permanent hybrid role in Hamilton requires strong regulatory knowledge, Te Ao Māori perspectives, and the ability to engage iwi/hapū and stakeholders

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or related field is advantageous.
• Experience applying policy, statutory processes and legislation to assess risk, complexity and priority.
• Knowledge of NZ conservation and environmental legislation is advantageous.
• Analytical thinker able to interpret information to provide technical advice to applicants and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex issues with understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilities.
• Apply knowledge of Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice and recommendations.
• Engage effectively with iwi, hapū, applicants and stakeholders, building trusted relationships for timely decisions.
• Bring a continuous improvement mindset to identify efficiencies and improve processes.
• Use excellent communication to provide clear, culturally competent updates to stakeholders.
• Collaborate across teams to maintain positive relationships and deliver a high-quality regulatory service.

Skills

Statutory/regulatory advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Māori/Iwi engagement

Education

Regulatory-related tertiary qualification

Job description

Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what matters Permanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951 | Hybrid working environment Hamilton based, open to considering other locations dependent on the candidate

Support the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki Region

About the role

The Department of Conservation (DOC) protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Our Regional Operations Group is at the forefront of this work, delivering conservation outcomes that protect the landscapes, species, and ecosystems that make New Zealand unique. Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, the Statutory Advisor will manage the processing of permissions and other regulatory applications for the region, ensuring these are delivered efficiently, fairly, and in a way that reflects DOC’s statutory obligations and partnership commitments.

• Providing high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex and strategic issues, with a strong understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilities
• Applying knowledge of Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice, assessments, and recommendations
• Engaging effectively with iwi, hapū, applicants, and stakeholders, building respectful and trusted relationships to support timely and well-informed decision-making
• Bringing a continuous improvement mindset to identify efficiencies, strengthen processes, and improve customer and partner experience
• Using your excellent communication skills to provide clear, culturally competent advice and updates to internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborating across teams and disciplines, maintaining positive working relationships to keep work moving and deliver a high-quality regulatory service

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• A tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or a related field would be advantageous
• Some experience in applying policy, statutory processes, and legislation to assess risk, complexity, and priority, with an understanding of the natural resource policy environment
• Knowledge of New Zealand conservation and environmental legislation, including associated statutory processes, would be advantageous.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to gather and interpret information to provide technical advice to applicants and stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep everything on track to meet deadlines
• Experience understanding and applying iwi/ hapū perspective to inform decisions
• Problem solving and continuous-improvement mentality, always seeking ways to improve systems and processes
• Solutions focussed and consistently act with integrity to deliver meaningful results
• A collaborative, team player who can build rapport easily with a range of people to get desired results
• Understands where the Māori–Crown relationship plays a key role in DOC’s responsibilities and decision making

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.

We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

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 NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th October.

For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]

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

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles.