Principal Advisor - Hazardous Substances

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. We welcome you to join us on our journey to a healthy environment that benefits us all. 

Jump in the waka - make history with us. 

About our group | Mō te roopu 

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

About the role | Mō te tūnga  

The Principal Advisor will use deep technical expertise to provide strategic leadership, policy and operational advice to support the EPA’s delivery of HSNO Act functions.   

We are looking for an experienced professional to provide thought leadership on complex regulatory matters, with high profile accountabilities to both internal and external stakeholders and will use technical knowledge to influence outcomes. 

This role contributes to HSNO operational strategy and delivery, including process efficiencies, legislative amendments and leading complex, interconnected business improvement projects. 

About you | Mōhou ake  

We are looking for an individual with a range of skills and capabilities – if you have some or all of the below, we would love to hear from you 

• Knowledge of relevant environmental legislation, especially the HSNO Act  

• Knowledge of machinery of government processes and systems 

• Postgraduate qualification in chemistry or other relevant scientific field (desired) 

• Significant regulatory experience working at a principal level  

• Ability to lead complex business improvement projects  

• Ability to comprehend and quickly synthesise and analyse large volumes of information and provide quality advice based on findings 

• Ability to identify and mitigate risks 

• An understanding of the methods and techniques for the assessment and management of chemical and environmental risk (desired) 

• An understanding of chemical regulation in comparable international jurisdictions e.g. Australia, Europe, USA, Canada, UK (desired) 

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

There are a range of benefits that our people value: 

• Flexible working culture 

• Flexible sick leave provisions  

• Three additional annual leave days between Christmas and New Years $400 non-taxable payment for at home flexible working set up  

• Paid annual EPA Environment Day supporting the community on environmental initiatives 

• In-house Māori cultural capability building programme 

• Learning opportunities including the annual Science Symposium  

• Active social club and diverse range of groups and support networks  

• Organisation wide awards recognising both individual and team effort. 

• Relocation assistance for those moving to NZ from overseas  

Salary Range |   

$118,828 - $178,242 per annum (midpoint $148,535).  

This is the full salary range. Appointments are made within the range depending on skills and experience. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter.  

Please note: your cover letter will form a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to the requirements for this role and tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa and motivations for the role.  

View the Position Description for further information. 

We will be reviewing and processing applications as they are received. 

Applications close | Rā Katinga  

Monday 24 March 2025