Department of Conservation Is Looking For Compliance Officer Concessions, (Fixed Term) at Dunedin Central, Otago Full Time

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Compliance Officer within the National Compliance team.

This is your opportunity to apply your law enforcement and investigative skills in the protection of New Zealand’s unique wildlife, cultural and natural taonga. As a Compliance Officer, you will lead complex investigations into breaches of conservation legislation. This will involve a high level of responsibility, extensive engagement and coaching of Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers, and the opportunity to work across several DOC regions.

Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive  

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

To be successful in this role, you will need well-developed investigative skills, and the ability to coach, mentor and support rangers undertaking investigations. You will be highly organised and self-motivated, with the ability to prioritise appropriately and negotiate the provision of help from others. Confidence and familiarity working with legislative frameworks is key, alongside the ability to collaborate with lawyers and law enforcement agencies. Ideally you will come from a law enforcement background or have extensive compliance experience in a regulatory agency. You will have substantial in-field experience.

Please note, this appointment also requires candidates to pass and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Significant travel will be required as part of this role. An understanding of law enforcement work in rural and community contexts would be a distinct advantage.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Alongside investigations into criminal breaches of conservation legislation, you will be required to:

• Assess the need to investigate reported compliance incidents, and work with local DOC management to investigate priority matters
• Provide coaching to DOC rangers warranted to take enforcement action, on the preparation of investigation files to support prosecution recommendations
• Quality assure infringement fine and warning decisions made by DOC rangers warranted to take enforcement action
• Interview offenders, gather evidence and prepare investigation reports in serious cases
• Build strong relationships with Regional and District Police and Fisheries officers, as well as district staff
• Provide evidence as part of court processes.

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
• Career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• Study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• Great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you’re ready for your next adventure
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Submit a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and alignment to our Kaupapa.

We are looking to appoint this role between $73,336 – $93,708 (depending on skills and experience).

Rā katinga | Applications close on Monday, 23 January 2023.

Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries contact: Graeme Scott,[email protected], quoting reference 400/11465

DOC is committed to a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, and to creating an inclusive workplace culture. We offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role and its work context.

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

Visit www.doc.govt.nz to find out more about a career with us.