Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Napier is seeking a Statutory Advisor to manage permissions and regulatory applications for the Hawke's Bay region, delivering timely and transparent advice in line with statutory obligations.

You will apply legislation and Te Ao Māori perspectives, engage iwi/hapū and stakeholders, and continually improve processes to support robust decision-making and high-quality regulatory service.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory legal or a related field would be advantageous.
• Experience applying legislation, policy, and statutory processes to assess risk, complexity, and priority.

Responsibilities

• Manage processing of permissions and other regulatory applications for the region.
• Provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex issues.
• Apply knowledge of Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice and recommendations.
• Engage with iwi, hapū, applicants and stakeholders to support timely decision-making.
• Identify efficiencies and improve processes to enhance customer and partner experience.
• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders about regulatory updates.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Iwi/ hapū perspective

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualification in regulatory or related field

Tools

NZ Drivers License

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

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

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

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.

Salary

Salary: $80,695 - $101,951, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 19th October

Contact

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

Our vision

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