Technical Specialist, Occupational Health at WorkSafe New Zealand, All Office Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Make a real impact on workplace health across Aotearoa 
• Join the Technical Advisory team in Operations 
• Help shape evidence-based regulatory decisions 
• Two permanent occupational health specialist vacancies, any WorkSafe location 
• Expected appointment base salary range: $120,551 - $133,143   

About Us

He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Hello, Kia ora, Noa'ia, Talofa lava, Mauri, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālō 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 purpose  
• Kōrero mai – we engage meaningfully  
• Tiakina mai – we are entrusted with a duty of care  

About your team / Ko te tīma

The 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 / Ō te tūranga

This 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 tōu ake mahi

• Assess complex occupational health risks and workplace exposures
• Provide expert advice to support regulatory decision making
• Translate technical information into practical regulatory guidance
• Support consistent application of occupational health standards
• Identify and escalate novel or high-risk technical issues
• Collaborate with technical and operational teams across WorkSafe

What You'll Bring / Ko ngā pukenga ōu

• Senior experience providing occupational health advice in complex environments
• Expertise assessing occupational health risks, exposures and controls
• Ability to translate technical information into practical advice
• Experience supporting evidence-based and defensible decisions
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills
• Relevant qualification in occupational health, health sciences, or a related field

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.  

Salary range / Awhe utu

The 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 employment 
• Health insurance & eyecare discounts  
• $400 home workstation contribution 
• 5 weeks annual leave  
• 15 days sick leave  
• A Reward and Recognition Framework that celebrates the impact our kaimahi make – your mahi matters 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Employee-led networks to promote the goals and needs of our diverse communities (Rainbow, Pacific, Women's and Tū Rangatira Māori Network as well as Enabled Network and Multi – Ethnic Network.)

 How to apply / Me pēhea te tono

Click 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 careers@worksafe.govt.nz for a confidential kōrero.

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. Kaimahi whose roles were affected by the structure change will be given preference for all vacancies and will be considered in the first instance.

Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday 13 September 2026