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Senior 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 is to manage consent, application, and reassessment processes.   

 

About the role | Mō te tūnga 

We are seeking three new experienced, skilled and enthusiastic Senior Advisors to join our Hazardous Substances Applications team. If you have experience and skills in hazardous substances regulation, environmental management or regulatory science, this is the role for you.  

 

The role involves managing a busy workload of applications, work across a range of legislation and work streams, as well as providing support and expertise across the wider team and the EPA in carrying out our statutory functions. You will be required to build strong, positive connections with customers, and your ability to communicate effectively is essential.  

 

 

 About you | Mōhou ake 

 

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

 

  • a relevant tertiary qualification (post graduate preferred) with appropriate experience in a regulatory context, such as under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, and related legislation.  

  • proven experience and knowledge of the regulatory landscape as it applies to hazardous chemicals (desirable) 

  • being experienced in risk identification, analysis and mitigation for the effective management of hazardous substances 

  • an ability to analyse technical material, comprehend information, identify and manage risks, and communicate it simply, applying sound judgement, common sense and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, with an attention to detail 

  • being a great team player who exhibits skills and behaviours which support a positive, collaborative and professional team culture 

  • excellent communication, relationship building and reporting skills, with a desire to deliver great customer service as part of our role as a proactive regulator 

  • a demonstrated ability to positively engage with others on technical matters 

  • experience in technical leadership and successful coaching/mentoring of others 

  • being self-motivated, driven to deliver under pressure, able to manage multiple tasks and set priorities, and achieve quality results in tight deadlines 

  • have a focus on time management, quality and an eye for detail. 

   

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

There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:   

 

  • Flexible working culture 

  • 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 

  

Salary range |   

$83,724 – $125,586 per annum (midpoint $104,655). 

  

This is the full salary range. Appointments will likely be made at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience. An appointment at the midpoint assumes 100% competency in the role, with the full band covering a range of 80% - 120%.   

 

 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter.  

 

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 Position description 

 

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.  

 

Applications close | Rā Katinga 

5pm, Monday 24 March 2025    

 

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

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