Solictor

Opportunity to be involved in a variety of legal practice areas and contribute to conservation outcomes in Aotearoa.
- Be involved in conservation compliance and law enforcement, including prosecutions, advocate for nature and our unique species and wild places.
- Four weeks + three days annual leave per year pro-rata, flexible working options.
- Permanent full time, location: Rotorua preferred, open to Hamilton.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

- protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
- managing threats and adverse impacts
- being a voice for conservation
- connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role
DOC is looking for a solicitor to utilise legal skills and the court system to advocate for conservation values, with a focus on compliance and law enforcement work.
DOC's prosecution and infringement function is managed from Rotorua, but the work will span all parts of Aotearoa. If based in Rotorua, you would work alongside an experienced Solicitor and a part-time Legal Administrator. If based in Hamilton, you would join other solicitors in that office and be in regular touch with the Solicitor Compliance and Law Enforcement in Rotorua. You would be expected to travel there from time to time.
The focus of this role is on compliance and law enforcement, including prosecutions and infringements. An interest in other areas of law relevant to DOC's business would be advantageous, such as administrative, Treaty of Waitangi, land, commercial, employment, health and safety, official information and privacy law.
This is a fast-paced and rewarding role, with variable mahi. You will conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, collaborate with internal staff and liaise with court staff, external lawyers and the public. You will also provide legal input and advice on DOC's business, legal risk, and legislation administered by DOC and other agencies. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in prosecutions, including interesting and sometimes high-profile cases.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
This is a varied and challenging role. Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate practical legal advice in a non-technical manner are essential. While you will be a committed team player, you will also be a self-starter and be able to work independently.
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

- Compliance, law enforcement and prosecution related experience preferred.
- Experience or interest in other areas of legal services relevant to DOC's business.
- LLB or higher, with NZ practising certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
- An understanding of policy and practice issues relevant to DOC's business.
- A strong understanding of how the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi relate to DOC's work.
- Proven ability to communicate with clarity and confidence and to produce clear, accurate and efficient written advice and documents.
- Practical experience providing advice to clients or in conducting cases and appearing before Courts and Tribunals.
- Sound knowledge of the justice system, the parliamentary and legislative system and public service administration.
- Full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team
The Legal Services Unit is part of the Strategy and Policy Group. We provide legal advice on many aspects of DOC's business. We have 30+ solicitors throughout New Zealand, located in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Invercargill, Nelson, Whangarei and Hamilton. We cover a wide range of legal and Treaty of Waitangi related work. We deliver efficient and effective legal services focused on the Minister's priorities. We have strong relationships with DOC's other business units and other organisations.
Rotorua City has internationally renowned cultural heritage, geothermal features, mountain biking trails, and stunning lakes and forests.
Hamilton is centrally located with access to both coasts and has many amenities.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?
Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

- Flexible working opportunities suited to your role and experience.
- Career development, secondment and training opportunit