Statutory Advisor | Kaitohu ā-Ture at Department of Conservation, Otago

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Hands on role, navigating legislation to protect what matters
• Permanent Role | $80,054 - $101,142
• Murihiku/Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown, Wānaka or Dunedin locations

Navigate complex statutory processes, build relationships, and contribute to meaningful Conservation outcomes!

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role
Reporting to the Principal Ranger, the Statutory Advisor will manage the processing of permissions and other regulatory applications for the Southern South Island region, ensuring these are delivered efficiently, fairly, and in a way that reflects DOC's statutory obligations and partnership commitments.

A critical aspect of this role is working effectively within Te Ao Māori and a Treaty-based framework. You will engage with iwi, hapū, and Māori stakeholders, ensuring their perspectives are meaningfully understood and appropriately reflected in statutory decision-making.

The position will be focussed on:

• Providing high-quality statutory and regulatory advice to resolve complex and strategic issues, with a strong understanding of natural resource management and Treaty responsibilities
• Applying knowledge of Te Ao Māori and iwi/hapū perspectives to inform advice, assessments, and recommendations
• Engaging effectively with iwi, hapū, applicants, and stakeholders, building respectful and trusted relationships to support timely and well-informed decision-making
• Bringing a continuous improvement mindset to identify efficiencies, strengthen processes, and improve customer and partner experience
• Using your excellent communication skills to provide clear, culturally competent advice and updates to internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborating across teams and disciplines, maintaining positive working relationships to keep work moving and deliver a high-quality regulatory service

Click here for the Role Description

This role can be based out of any of our Murihiku/Invercargill, Te Anau, Queenstown, Wānaka or Dunedin locations. Please specify your preferred location/s in your cover letter.


Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience applying legislation, policy, and statutory processes to assess risk, complexity, and priority within a natural resource management context
• Demonstrated understanding of Te Ao Māori, with experience engaging with iwi and hapū and applying Māori perspectives to inform decisions
• A sound understanding of the Māori-Crown relationship and Treaty of Waitangi principles, and how these apply to DOC's statutory responsibilities
• Strong engagement and relationship-management skills, with experience working with iwi, hapū, applicants, and other stakeholders
• An analytical thinker who can gather and interpret information to provide clear, well-reasoned technical advice
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• A collaborative, solutions-focused team player with a continuous improvement mindset and high professional integrity
• A tertiary qualification in regulatory, statutory, legal, environmental management, or a related field would be an advantage

Our Values
At The Department of Conservation, everyone's journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That's why we believe your career should be more than a role' it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make.

Here, you'll find more than a workplace. You'll find a team united and guided by values that matter:

• Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable
• Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher
• Connection, because collaboration sparks progress
• Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact

This is a place where nature thrives because people do.


He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.


Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
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.

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

The salary range for this position is $80,054 - $101,142 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 14th May

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz