Permissions Advisor

• Help regulate the use of conservation land and interactions with our wildlife
• Work across a diverse and interesting range of applications throughout the country
• Full time, fixed term role until June 2026 based in Hamilton CBD

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

He angitutanga | About the role

We are offering a fixed term opportunity to join our dynamic and supportive Regulatory Permissions team until the end of June

Most activities on public conservation land including interactions with protected wildlife, marine mammals, or marine reserves, require approval from DOC. The Permissions Regulatory Delivery team operates nationally, managing a diverse range of consent processes including concessions, permits, and Wildlife Authorities. 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 Permissions Advisor you'll have a busy caseload, and you certainly won't be bored as each application is very different to the next We receive applications from a wide range of individuals and business owners who have an interest in using DOC land or some type of interaction with protected wildlife; such as tourism operators, other government agencies, land developers and many others.

You'll work as the lead contact supporting applicants throughout the application process including: pre-application discussions, critical assessment of the application and ensuing that it adheres to legislation, conservation policy and strategies, and submitting reports for a final decision. You'll be responsible for ensuring a robust process is followed and enforceable contracts are issued to those using the land.

This is a fast-paced position that demands agility, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage a varied and busy workload. You'll be part of a collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality regulatory outcomes.

This Hamilton-based role is ideal for a recent Planning graduate or someone with prior experience in regulatory consenting who is eager to broaden their expertise.

Click here for the Role Description

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience working with a planning and or legislative processes.
• Experience working with relevant conservation legislation.
• Experience analysing large amounts of complex information to produce high quality reports and succinct recommendations.
• Experience and skilled in managing a busy caseload.

He aha nga painga mou? | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tonoa inaianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Stef Bowman, Permissions Regulatory Delivery Manager,