Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture

Department of Conservation (DOC); Napier; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) Napier region seeks a Statutory Advisor to manage permissions and regulatory applications, ensuring delivery in line with statutory obligations and partnerships. The role focuses on providing regulatory and statutory advice for complex issues and strengthening relationships with iwi, hapū, and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will apply knowledge of Te Ao Māori, contribute to timely decisions, and support continuous improvements in processes while working

Qualifications

• Experience applying legislation and statutory processes to assess risk, complexity and priority
• Knowledge of NZ conservation or environmental legislation is advantageous
• Ability to interpret technical information and provide sound recommendations
• Excellent communication to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience applying iwi/hapū perspectives in decision making
• Continuous improvement mindset to enhance systems and processes

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex issues with a strong understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilities
• Apply Te Ao Māori knowledge and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice and recommendations
• Engage with iwi, hapū, applicants and stakeholders to support timely, well-informed decision-making
• Identify efficiencies and drive continuous improvement in processes to improve customer and partner experience
• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders and provide updates on regulatory matters
• Collaborate across teams to maintain positive working relationships and deliver high-quality regulatory service
• Support cross-functional projects and undertake a variety of tasks as required

Skills

Regulatory advice

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Iwi/hapū collaboration

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in regulatory law or related field

Job description

• Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what matters
• Support statutory processes for Hawkes Bay and wider region
• Permanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951 | Hybrid working environment
• Napier based, open to considering other locations within the region

Navigate complex statutory processes, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful Conservation outcomes!

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

Mō te tūranga | 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.

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 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
• Expand your knowledge and capabilities by supporting cross-functional projects and undertaking a variety of tasks as required.

This role is currently based in Napier, however we are open to considering candidates in other locations within the Lower North Island Region. As a primarily office-based role, regular field work is not required.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• A tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or a related field would be advantageous
• Demonstrated ability to apply legislation, policy, and statutory processes to assess risk, complexity, and priority, with knowledge of New Zealand conservation or environmental legislation being advantageous.
• Strong analytical, judgement, and decision-making skills, with the ability to interpret technical information, assess risk and complexity, and provide sound advice and recommendations.
• 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
• Full NZ Drivers License

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?

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 Monday 19th October

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

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