Senior Permissions Advisor

• Bring your statutory knowledge into this diverse role
• Exciting opportunity to contribute towards achieving DOC’s conservation goals
• Permanent, full-time position based in Hokitika, but will consider Dunedin or Christchurch locations for the right candidate

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Most activities on public conservation land, or in relation to protected wildlife, marine mammals, or marine reserves, require approval from the Department. Our Permissions team members, located in Service Centres in Hamilton, Dunedin, Christchurch and Hokitika, process these applications. We help to ensure that activities occurring on public conservation land are undertaken in a manner that protects the values of the land and complies with the legislation. 

As a Senior Permissions Advisor your role will be focused on:

• supporting the application process, and providing technical support to your peers, relating to the management of submitted applications including having pre-application discussions, critical assessment, and analysis of applications through to writing quality reports for a final decision
• being directly involved in contributing to improving aspects of how we work, collaborating with others in an inclusive team process environment to ensure professional and high-quality outputs
• building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people, stakeholder groups and industries, and providing professional advice and support to internal and external customers.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Hokitika, but Dunedin or Christchurch locations will be considered for the right candidate.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a team player who is committed to process improvements.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• can demonstrate strong analytical skills and be able to transfer analysis into a professional quality report
• a confident and able communicator who builds trust with others
• strong understanding of statutory work and the legislation the Department operates within
• knowledge of conservation regulation and legislative frameworks
• experience in project management, particularly in leading process improvements
• competent in mentoring and coaching
• able to manage having a number of tasks on the go and apply work planning and organising tools to make the best use of your time
• are solution focussed
• have a background or good understanding of planning/legislative processes

Desirable:

• experience in planning or regulatory work in advantageous
• a Tertiary qualification in environmental sciences, environmental protection, or related field

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tono ināianei | 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. Previous applicants need not apply.

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

The salary range for this position is $80,054 to $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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at [email protected]