Advisor HS Applications

About the organisation

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Its work helps safeguard the country’s environment, economy, and people, and its decisions are guided by evidence, mātauranga, and science. The organisation values bold thinking, collaboration, and making a lasting difference for Aotearoa New Zealand.

About the team

You will join the Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Group, whose focus is to handle consent, application, and reassessment processes.

About the role

This position is based in Wellington. Flexible working from home may be considered, but the role is not intended to be fully remote. The job involves advising and supporting applicants and delegated decision makers on the import and export of controlled goods, including hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. You will also liaise with submitters, applicants, and a range of New Zealand and international government agencies on statutory decision-making matters.

As an Advisor, you will be expected to handle a full and varied application workload, work across multiple pieces of legislation and different workstreams, and help contribute to the EPA’s outcomes. Building strong relationships with customers is important, and clear, effective communication is central to success in this role.

If you bring experience in permitting, consenting, environmental management, or regulatory science, this opportunity may suit you well.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a person with experience in regulatory systems, and a relevant tertiary qualification is preferred. Background knowledge of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, the Ozone Layer Protection Act, the Import and Export Restrictions Act 1988, or comparable legislation would be an advantage.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication, relationship-building, and reporting skills, along with a customer-service mindset suited to a proactive regulator. You should be self-driven, comfortable working under pressure, able to prioritise several tasks at once, and capable of meeting tight deadlines. Attention to detail is essential, along with good judgement, practical problem-solving ability, and a balanced approach. You will also need to analyse technical material, understand complex information, assess risk, and explain it in straightforward language. Flexibility and adaptability are important because the work changes from day to day.

What’s in it for you

This role offers variety, interesting challenges, and the chance to work with colleagues who are committed to making a difference. You will be part of a close-knit and supportive HSNO team with a strong sense of purpose and whānau.

• A flexible working culture
• Three extra annual leave days over the Christmas and New Year period
• A $400 gross payment to help set up a home working space, or $200 for fixed-term roles under 12 months
• An annual paid EPA Environment Day to support community environmental initiatives
• In-house Māori cultural capability development programme
• Learning and development opportunities, including the annual Science Symposium
• An active social club plus a range of interest groups and support networks
• EPA awards that recognise individual and team contributions

Salary

The salary band for this role is $77,045 to $115,567 per annum, with a midpoint of $96,306. Appointments are generally made at or below the midpoint, depending on skills and experience.

How to apply

Apply online by submitting your CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter, indicate whether you are interested in the permanent or fixed-term option. The cover letter is an important part of the assessment process, so make sure it clearly explains how your background matches the role, why you applied, and what you can share about your experience, values, and/or whakapapa.

Applications are only open to people who already have the legal right to work in New Zealand and are currently based in New Zealand. Inter-agency secondments are welcome, and you are encouraged to discuss the opportunity with your current manager before applying where possible. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and selection may begin before the closing date.

Additional information

Applications close at 5pm on 23 July 2026. For more information, contact recruit@epa.govt.nz.