Senior Medical Officer

• Make the most of your significant medical experience in this key aviation role
• Bring your pragmatic, flexible, problem solving and adaptable approach
• Relationship and stakeholder management to influence at a senior level

About the role

We have a great opportunity for a NZ registered medical practitioner, or a candidate who can easily obtain NZ medical registration, coupled with the desire to move into a new and exciting regulatory environment.

You’ll be working with a dynamic team responsible for the setting, maintaining and monitoring of medical standards, practices and procedures within the aviation industry. This role offers the opportunity to review complex cases, complete research, and collaborate with medical examiners and aviation industry partners to provide best advice and information. There will also be opportunities to lead a diverse range of change projects and improvement initiatives.

The salary band for a Senior Medical Officer goes from $188,168 to $261,778 with the mid-range being $230,231. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader Authority for the same or similar roles.

For more information on the role please view the position description. 

What You’ll Bring

We are interested in hearing from experienced practitioners who are excellent communicators with an empathetic, open, and diplomatic style. There are exciting changes on the horizon both legislatively and operationally which brings with it innovation and improvement.

To be successful in this role you will,

• Hold current registration to practice medicine in New Zealand
• Ideally hold a Diploma or Masters in Aviation Medicine (or equivalent). If not, you will be willing to undertake appropriate training and have a strong bent towards General Practise, Occupational Medicine or Emergency Medicine
• Be a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Effective relationships and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills and confident decision-making capabilities
• A pragmatic, flexible and adaptable approach
• Offer a range of aviation medicine experience – from those willing to commit to the Fellowship Training Programme of the Australasian College of Aerospace Medicine or to senior highly experienced specialists

Whist the position is ideally based in Wellington, we are flexible to look at remote working within NZ which will involve travel, as well as flexible hours if you wish to retain one day per week clinical practice.

About us 

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation. 

 
Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly. 

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute. 

Why Join Us? 

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Sick leave entitlements from day 1
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%  
• Vision assistance 
• Flu Vaccinations 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

Ready to Apply? 

Apply directly by completing the online application form (please note emailed applications will not be considered). Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role.  

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you. 

If you have any questions about the role or application process, contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz.

Applications close: 12 November 2026