Job Description

Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa

We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important; to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people.

Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions, based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. We are passionate people working as one EPA to encourage big ideas and bold goals.

What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.

Jump in the waka - make history with us.

About our group | Mō te roopu

The purpose of the Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Group is to manage consent, application and reassessment processes.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

This role is based in our Wellington office. While we're happy to consider work-from-home arrangements, this role is not designed for full-time remote working.

This role includes providing advice and support to applicants and delegated decision makers for the import and export of controlled goods, such as hazardous waste and ozone depleting substances; liaison with a range of stakeholders (including submitters, applicants and other government and international agencies) on statutory decision making. 

As an Advisor, you will be required to manage a busy workload of applications, work across a range of legislation and work streams, and contribute to the success of the EPA. You will be required to build strong, positive connections with customers, and your ability to communicate effectively is essential.

If you have experience and skills in permitting/consenting, environmental management or regulatory science, this is the role for you.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for someone who has a range of qualities that may include:

• experience in regulatory systems, with a relevant tertiary qualification preferable

• experience working with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, the Ozone Layer Protection Act, the Import and Export Restrictions Act 1988, or similar
• excellent communication, relationship building and reporting skills, with a desire to deliver great customer service as part of our role as a proactive regulator
• self-motivated, driven to deliver under pressure, able to manage multiple tasks and set priorities, and achieve results within tight deadlines
• have strong attention to detail, while applying sound judgement, common sense and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving
• a proven ability to analyse technical material, comprehend information, identify and manages risks, and communicate it simply
• Have the ability to work, and deliver, under pressure, set priorities, and achieve results in tight deadlines

Every day is different, so you will need to be flexible and adaptable.

What’s in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The role provides plenty of variety, interesting and challenging opportunities, working with colleagues focused on making a difference. You will be joining a close-knit and supportive HSNO group who are focused and dedicated to our work and whānau.

There are a range of benefits that our people value:

• flexible working culture
• three additional annual leave days between Christmas and New Years
• $400 gross payment to help you set up working at home ($200 for fixed-term under 12 months)
• an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives
• in-house Māori cultural capability building programme
• learning opportunities, including the annual Science Symposium
• active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks
• EPA awards recognising individual and team effort

Salary Range

$77,045 - $115,567 per annum (midpoint $96,306).

This is the full salary range of the band, from 80% - 120%. Appointments will generally be made at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter. In your cover letter please specify if you are interested in the permanent or fixed term role.

Please note: your covering letter is an important part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to this role, and why you applied. Tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa.

View the

For more information, please contact recruit@epa.govt.nz or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers

Applications will only be considered from those who have the entitlement to legally work in New Zealand and who are already located in New Zealand.

We are open to supporting inter agency secondments. If possible, please discuss the prospect of joining us with your current manager, before submitting your application.

Applications close | Rā Katinga

5pm, 23 July 2026

We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application stage