Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture

Department of Conservation; Napier; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

The New Zealand Department of Conservation is recruiting for a Statutory Advisor to support Hawke's Bay and the wider Lower North Island region. This permanent role is Napier-based with hybrid work options and involves navigating statutory processes and providing regulatory advice to deliver conservation outcomes.

Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, you will apply legislation and Treaty responsibilities, engage with iwi/hapū, stakeholders and applicants, and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Application of legislation, policy and statutory processes to assess risk and priority for conservation work.
• Knowledge of New Zealand conservation or environmental legislation is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, judgement and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret technical information.

Responsibilities

• Manage processing of permissions and regulatory applications for the region, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
• Provide high-quality statutory and regulatory advice on complex issues relevant to natural resources and Treaty responsibilities.
• Apply Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice and recommendations.
• Engage with iwi, hapū, applicants and stakeholders to support timely, well-informed decisions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying efficiencies and improving processes and customer experience.
• Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders to provide culturally competent advice and updates.
• Collaborate across teams to maintain positive working relationships and deliver a high-quality regulatory service.
• Support cross-functional projects as required.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

NZ environmental law

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Iwi/hapū perspectives

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder engagement

Drivers license

Education

Regulatory/Legal qualification

Job description

Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what mattersSupport statutory processes for Hawkes Bay and wider regionPermanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951 | Hybrid working environment Napier based, open to considering other locations within the regionNavigate 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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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. Want to know more?

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 Monday 19th October

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