Technical Specialist, Occupational Health

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 121,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free life insurance

Health insurance and eyecare discounts

Home workstation contribution

5 weeks annual leave

15 days sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Employee-led networks

Job summary

WorkSafe New Zealand is hiring a permanent Occupational Health Specialist to support evidence-based regulatory decisions across Aotearoa. You will assess complex risks, provide expert advice to regulatory teams, and translate technical information into practical guidance for inspectors and operations staff.

You'll join newly established Technical Advisory roles, collaborating with a range of specialists to strengthen occupational health capability and improve worker safety nationwide.

Qualifications

• Senior experience providing occupational health advice in complex environments.
• Expertise assessing occupational health risks, exposures and controls.
• Ability to translate technical information into practical regulatory guidance.

Responsibilities

• Assess complex occupational health risks and workplace exposures.
• Provide expert advice to support regulatory decision making.
• Translate technical information into practical regulatory guidance.
• Collaborate with technical and operational teams across WorkSafe.

Skills

Occupational health expertise

Risk assessment

Regulatory guidance

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in occupational health/health sciences

Job description

Make a real impact on workplace health across AotearoaJoin the Technical Advisory team in OperationsHelp shape evidence-based regulatory decisionsA permanent occupational health specialist vacancy, any WorkSafe locationExpected appointment base salary range: $120,551 - $133,143About UsHe aha te mea nui o tenei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Malo e lelei, Talofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Malo ni, Kia orana , nǐ hǎo, Kamusta.WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the primary workplace health and safety regulator. Our vision is that everyone who goes to mahi comes home healthy and safe. We live by our values:Whakakotahi - we are united in a strong purposeKorero mai - we engage meaningfullyTiakina mai - we are entrusted with a duty of careAbout your team / Ko te timaThe Technical Advisory team plays a critical role in supporting WorkSafe's regulatory activities through the provision of trusted specialist expertise and advice. Bringing together experts from a range of disciplines, the team helps inform complex regulatory decisions, supports consistent practice, and strengthens capability across WorkSafe.As a Technical Specialist, Occupational Health, you'll join a collaborative team of technical experts working alongside operational leaders, inspectors, investigators, and other specialists to address complex occupational health risks and improve outcomes for workers across Aotearoa. These are newly established positions that expand WorkSafe's occupational health capability as part of the organisation's new operating model.About the role / O te turangaThis is an exciting opportunity to join WorkSafe in a newly established role and contribute to strengthening occupational health expertise across the organisation. As part of WorkSafe's new organisational structure, these positions have been created to enhance the technical advice available to regulatory and operational teams.You'll provide specialist advice on complex and high-risk occupational health matters, assess risks, exposures and controls, and help ensure regulatory decisions are evidence-based, consistent, and defensible. You'll also work closely with colleagues across WorkSafe to support capability uplift and contribute to improved health outcomes for workers throughout New Zealand.What You'll Do/ Ko tou ake mahiAssess complex occupational health risks and workplace exposuresProvide expert advice to support regulatory decision makingTranslate technical information into practical regulatory guidanceSupport consistent application of occupational health standardsIdentify and escalate novel or high-risk technical issuesCollaborate with technical and operational teams across WorkSafeWhat You'll Bring / Ko nga pukenga ouSenior experience providing occupational health advice in complex environmentsExpertise assessing occupational health risks, exposures and controlsAbility to translate technical information into practical adviceExperience supporting evidence-based and defensible decisionsStrong relationship-building and influencing skillsRelevant qualification in occupational health, health sciences, or a related fieldNau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.Salary range / Awhe utuThe expected appointment base salary is $120,551 - $133,143 (KiwiSaver/SSRSS employer contributions are additional). From 1 April 2026 our KiwiSaver employer contribution increased to 3.5%.We offer a range of benefits including:Free life insurance for the duration of your employmentHealth insurance & eyecare discounts$400 home workstation contribution5 weeks annual leave15 days sick leaveA Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make - your mahi mattersProfessional development opportunitiesEmployee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tu Rangatira Maori Network as well as Enabled Network and our Multi - Ethnic Network).How to apply / Me pehea te tonoClick Apply, complete the application form, and upload your CV and cover letter.AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.Learn more about working with us: Careers | WorkSafe.WorkSafe Mahi Haumaru is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and those who are neurodivergent. We believe different perspectives strengthen our mahi and help create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.If you encounter accessibility barriers in completing the application or require adjustments or support to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you, contact [e-mail] for a confidential korero.This vacancy has been established as part of changes to WorkSafe's organisational structure after a review of WorkSafe's operating model identified opportunities to improve role clarity, ways of working and organisational effectiveness. As part of these changes, WorkSafe has established a number of new roles to ensure we are well placed to meet expectations now and in the future.Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday 22 November 2026