Specialist Adviser at Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Specialist Adviser (Terrestrial & Aquatic Environments)

Role type: Fixed term until 30 June 2028

Location: Wellington City

Salary range & band: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $129,804  depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Are you passionate about protecting Aotearoa New Zealand from biosecurity risks while supporting safe trade and travel? We're looking for an experienced and motivated individual to join the Terrestrial & Aquatic Environment team within the Biosecurity Import and Export Standards.

This role is central to managing biosecurity risk at New Zealand's border. You'll help develop and maintain a wide range of standards that set clear requirements for goods and crafts entering the country, and for the facilities receiving those imported goods.

As a Specialist Adviser, you will:

• Lead the development and review of import health standards (IHS) of various inanimate pathways
• Craft risk management standards (CRMSs), and facility standards (transitional and containment facilities)
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based risk mitigation measures and peer-review technical work
• Prepare advice and communication for industry stakeholders and international partners
• Lead projects and contribute to strategy and continuous improvement
• Engage directly with trading partners, government agencies and other stakeholders
• Support and mentor colleagues to build team capability

You will work with industries and stakeholders that import plants, animals, food, equipment, vessels, containers and more, helping ensure safe and practical measures are in place.  

About you – Mōu

You are a curious and analytical thinker with a passion for protecting New Zealand's biosecurity, with a strong ability to interpret complex information and translate it into clear, actionable advice. You thrive in evolving environments and are confident working collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.

You will have:

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant area such as biology, microbiology, environmental science
• Experience in biosecurity, risk analysis, regulatory systems, or a similar field
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to adapt quickly to meet audience needs
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• The ability to use initiative and perform in an often-ambiguous environment
• The ability to see the big picture while delivering practical outcomes
• Proven experience in developing positive relationships with internal and external customer and stakeholders across a large, complex business environment
• Confidence in leading technical work and stakeholder engagement
• Proven project management, planning, and organisational skills
• Experience participating in strategic planning

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
You'll be part of a welcoming team that works across science, policy, and regulation to support New Zealand's biosecurity system.  Together, we shape and maintain standards, including IHSs, CRMSs, and facility standards, that are practical, transparent, and evidence based.

We work closely with industry and trading partners to make sure standards are workable and support New Zealand's economy, environment, and communities.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua 

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “Apply” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on 22nd of Feb.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Ryan.Pink@mpi.govt.nz

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