Solicitor at Environmental Protection Authority, Wellington

“As New Zealand's environmental regulator, the work we do today helps shape the future of our tomorrow.”

Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa   

We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important: to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people.    

Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals.  

What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.  

Come join us 

We welcome you to join us on our journey to a healthy environment that benefits us all. 

Jump in the waka - make history with us. 

About our group | Mō te roopu 

Our Legal Group helps to bring the EPA’s vision to life by guiding the EPA in delivering on its regulatory and legal responsibilities and strategic direction.  

Our kaupapa helps the EPA to protect the environment by providing solution focused advice, as the EPA’s trusted advisors, on legal issues associated with the EPA’s wide-ranging statutory functions.  

The protection of the environment sits at the heart of every decision we make. We’re a passionate and connected crew, who put in the mahi to achieve meaningful outcomes for our people and the environment.   

Solicitor 

About the role | Mō te tūnga  

• Our Legal team are looking for a Solicitor who is a capable self-starter to join their busy, high performing team.  

• If you have completed Profs and bring the right attitude to come in and soak up all there is to learn in this interesting and varied environment, then this role will be a great fit for you. 

• Reporting to a Lead Solicitor, you will assist our clients by providing timely, practical legal advice on a wide range of issues across all aspects of the EPA’s functions. 

• It goes without saying that you will possess fantastic written and verbal communication skills, an analytical, thorough approach to your work and excellent attention to detail – if you have these qualities then you will see great success in this role. 

About you | Mōhou ake  

We are looking for someone with a range of skills and experience – if you have some or all of the below, we would love to hear from you. 

• Good analytical skills and ability to provide accurate, timely, practical, solutions-focused legal advice  

• Ability to proactively identify, and appropriately record and communicate, legal risks for the EPA 

• Good problem-solving skills including the ability to think laterally, seek views and apply knowledge to multifaceted scenarios 

• Highly developed communication skills and good relationship management  

• A proven ability to effectively handle competing priorities and tight timeframes 

• Sound judgement, professionalism and integrity 

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a high degree of EQ and a collaborative working style 

• 2-4 years’ experience PQE as a lawyer preferred but not essential 

• Previous experience advising on, or knowledge of public law preferred 

• Previous experience or knowledge of regulatory context preferred 

• Experience in or a keen interest in the application of the Resource Management Act would be advantageous 

• Experience in litigation would be advantageous   

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

There are extra benefits to working at the EPA: 

• flexible working culture 

• three paid ‘Board holidays’ in addition to four weeks’ annual leave 

• $400 gross payment to help you set up working at home 

• an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives 

• in-house Māori cultural capability building programme 

• learning opportunities, including the annual Science Symposium  

• active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks  

• EPA awards recognising individual and team effort 

• relocation help for those moving to New Zealand from overseas.  

Salary range   

Solicitor $69,879 - $104,819 per annum (midpoint $87,349). 

This is the full salary range. Appointments are made within the range depending on skills and experience. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono  

Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter.  

View the Solicitor Position description  

Please note: your covering letter is an important part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to this role, and why you applied. Tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa.  

For more information, please contact recruit@epa.govt.nz or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers. 

Applications close | Rā Katinga  

Application submission will close 1 November 2024 @ 5pm. Applications will be viewed as received, and job posting may therefore close earlier.