Permissions Advisor (Fixed Term) at Department of Conservation, Christchurch

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Bring your risk-savvy regulatory skills to work on high-profile cases, supporting the regulation of the use of Aotearoa's conservation land and interactions with our wildlife
• $68,535.00- $86,423.00 pro-rata
• Fixed term: 15 months, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Hokitika locations

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.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Are you ready to apply your regulatory consenting skills within a collaborative team environment that makes a significant impact for conservation in Aotearoa? We are looking for multiple Permissions Advisors (Fast Track) to join a newly established team focused on delivering critical permissions work.

As part of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024, your advice will be crucial in guiding decision-makers through the permissions process for activities on public conservation land and involving protected wildlife. You'll collaborate with teams across DOC as well as cross agency, including the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Ministry for the Environment (MFE), to ensure the protection of Aotearoa's conservation values whilst complying with legislation and meeting statutory requirements.

As a Permissions Advisor (Fast-track) you will:

• Process and manage permissions, conducting pre-application discussions and providing critical assessments to provide quality reports that inform decision-making
• Provide expert advice and quality responses regarding Fast-track proposals, ensuring that conservation values are at the forefront of all decisions.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in team processes and systems, ensuring a high-quality and consistent approach to permissions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with applicants, stakeholders, and industries, responding to customer needs proactively.
• Collaborate within a cross-agency environment to ensure all relevant information is provided to decision-makers within statutory timeframes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience navigating regulatory and consenting processes (ideally conservation/natural resource, RMA, or other regulator contexts)
• Solid understanding of relevant legislation, policies, and processes related to permissions
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to provide concise, quality reports and recommendations
• Highly organised and capable of managing a high-volume caseload while meeting statutory deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, able to convey policy and technical information to various audiences.
• Preferably a university qualification in a related field, or equivalent experience

Desirable:

• Experience working across wider Government context for Departmental interests.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. 

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

The salary range for this position is $68,535.00- $86,423.00 pro-rata with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 26 March 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Emily Blokker, Senior Recruitment Advisor eblokker@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1848730