Senior Permissions Advisor | Kaitohu Whakaaetanga Mātāmua

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

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

Mō te tūranga | 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; holding pre-application discussions; critical assessment, and analysis of complex applications cumulating in quality written 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 which can be based in Dunedin, Christchurch, or Wellington. Other locations will be considered for the right candidate. Please note: the successful candidate based in Dunedin and Christchurch will be fully remote.

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: 

• demonstrated 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 is advantageous 
• a tertiary qualification in environmental sciences, environmental protection, or related field 

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? 

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.  

Want to know more? 

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now 

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted. 

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate. 

Salary: $80,695–$101,951, depending on skills and experience. 

Eligibility: You must hold a valid New Zealand work visa that covers the duration of employment.  

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 18 October 2026. This advert may close early so please apply promptly
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at abasova@doc.govt.nz