Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation is seeking a Statutory Advisor to support the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki Regions from Hamilton with hybrid work options. You will manage regulatory applications and provide high-quality statutory advice reflecting NZ laws and treaty responsibilities.

You will engage with iwi, hapū, applicants, and stakeholders, applying Te Ao Māori perspectives to inform decisions and improve processes. This role emphasizes collaboration and integrity.

Qualifications

• Provides high-quality statutory and regulatory advice on complex issues.
• Applies policy, statutory processes, and legislation to assess risk and priority.
• Incorporates iwi/hapū perspectives to influence assessments and recommendations.
• Demonstrates strong communication to stakeholders and applicants.

Responsibilities

• Navigate complex statutory processes and regulatory permissions.
• Engage with iwi, hapū, applicants, and stakeholders to build trust.
• Identify efficiencies and improve regulatory service delivery.
• Collaborate across teams to keep work moving and meet deadlines.

Skills

Regulatory advice

Policy interpretation

Iwi engagement

Communication

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Regulatory law degree

Job description

Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what mattersPermanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951 | Hybrid working environmentHamilton based, open to considering other locations dependent on the candidateSupport the Hauraki, Waikato & Taranaki RegionNavigate complex statutory processes, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful Conservation outcomes!Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaMō te tūranga | About the roleThe 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.The position will be focussed on:Providing high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex and strategic issues, with a strong understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilitiesApplying knowledge of Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice, assessments, and recommendationsEngaging effectively with iwi, hapū, applicants, and stakeholders, building respectful and trusted relationships to support timely and well-informed decision-makingBringing a continuous improvement mindset to identify efficiencies, strengthen processes, and improve customer and partner experienceUsing your excellent communication skills to provide clear, culturally competent advice and updates to internal and external stakeholdersCollaborating across teams and disciplines, maintaining positive working relationships to keep work moving and deliver a high-quality regulatory serviceThis role is currently based in Hamilton, however we are open to considering candidates in other locations.Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceIf 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 advantageousSome 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 stakeholdersExcellent communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and keep everything on track to meet deadlinesExperience understanding and applying iwi/ hapū perspective to inform decisionsProblem solving and continuous-improvement mentality, always seeking ways to improve systems and processesSolutions focussed and consistently act with integrity to deliver meaningful resultsA collaborative, team player who can build rapport easily with a range of people to get desired resultsUnderstands where the Māori–Crown relationship plays a key role in DOC’s responsibilities and decision makingHe 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?Tonoa inaiānei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. 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.Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th October.Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries , please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]