Adviser at Ministry for Primary Industries, Wellington City

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Adviser (Live Plants)

Role type: Fixed term until end November 2026, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General Salary Range F: $74,463 to $89,215 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We're looking for a motivated individual to join the Live Plants 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 the importation of Plants for Planting and Seeds for Sowing.

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. Your work will help keep New Zealand's biosecurity strong while enabling trade, travel, and innovation.

As an Adviser, you will:

• Contribute to the development and review of import health standards (IHS) of various live plant pathways.
• Provide high-quality, evidence-based risk mitigation measures and peer-review technical work.
• Prepare advice and communication for industry stakeholders and international partners.
• Contribute to projects, strategy and continuous improvement.

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.
• Knowledge of biosecurity, risk analysis, regulatory systems, or a similar field.
• Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to adapt quickly to meet audience needs.
• 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.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You will 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 IHS's, 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.

You will find opportunities to develop your skills, and contribute to something that matters.

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.

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 11:59pm on Sunday, 8 February

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

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