Principal Advisor, Health, Safety and Security at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

02 Aug, 26

Salary

162500.0

Posted On

04 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic leadership, Health and safety, Security management, Risk management, Assurance frameworks, Regulatory engagement, Stakeholder influence, Policy analysis, Governance, Strategic planning, Change management, Public sector operations, Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Influence how health, safety and security are embedded across the organisation. Play a key role in lifting organisational maturity, building sustainable capability, and strengthening assurance frameworks. Permanent role, Hamilton or Auckland locations preferred. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga | About the role We are looking for a Principal Advisor to provide strategic leadership across health, safety and security. This is a pivotal, system-level role focused on driving long-term maturity, strengthening assurance, and lifting performance across the organisation. Reporting to the Director, Health, Safety and Security, you will provide trusted senior advice and leadership across significant programmes, projects, and system initiatives. You will influence organisational priorities, lead complex work programmes, and support health and safety governance. You will work closely with senior leaders across DOC and the wider public sector. What you will do; Provide senior functional and system leadership across health, safety and security. Lead significant programmes and initiatives that lift organisational maturity and assurance. Oversee regulatory and statutory engagement, including WorkSafe matters and central agency reporting. Shape strategic planning, prioritisation, and delivery across the Directorate. Provide high‑quality advice, analysis, and briefings to senior leaders and governance groups. Support a culture of learning, continuous improvement, and effective risk management. Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience With experience operating at a senior level and worked in complex organisations. You will bring: Extensive experience providing strategic health, safety and/or security advice in large, high‑risk environments. Strong knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its practical application. Proven capability leading complex programmes and system‑level improvement initiatives. Excellent judgement and the ability to influence senior leaders with clarity and authority. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate complexity into practical direction. Experience working across organisational and agency boundaries. A sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Crown’s obligations, and the ability to work respectfully and effectively as an honourable Treaty partner. Desirable: Experience in a government or public‑sector environment. He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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. Tonoa inaiānei | 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, 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 $123,000 to $162,500 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. Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 18 May 2026. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC

Responsibilities

The Principal Advisor provides strategic leadership to embed health, safety, and security across the organization while strengthening assurance frameworks. They lead complex system-level initiatives and provide high-quality advice to senior leaders and governance groups.