Senior Solicitor

at  Department of Conservation

• Be involved in a variety of legal practice areas and contribute to conservation outcomes in Aotearoa, contribute to the application of Treaty principles to DOC’s work.
• Varied and challenging role supporting legal advice and support on Treaty of Waitangi matters, in particular, advice on the development, interpretation and application of statutory management planning[1]
• $107,544 - $144,321, flexible working options.
• Permanent full time, Wellington location preferred.
  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
  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.
  He angitūtanga | About the role
  Are you a seasoned legal expert with a passion for environmental conservation and Treaty of Waitangi issues? Do you thrive in the dynamic realm of legal strategy and advocacy? Join DOC as a Senior Solicitor, where your expertise will fuel our mission to protect and preserve our natural world and contribute to the development, interpretation and application of statutory management planning documents.
  The purpose of this role is to enable and support conservation with expert legal services in Treaty related matters to the Director-General, other internal customers and business groups.

THE POSITION WILL BE FOCUSSED ON:

• Expert Legal Guidance: Provide senior legal input and advice on Departmental activities, legislation, statutory planning and strategic initiatives, ensuring clarity, robustness, and alignment with conservation goals.
• Leadership in Legal Strategy: Lead the charge in drafting Ministerial and Cabinet papers, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while advancing DOC’s strategic agenda.
• Litigation: Contribute to DOC’s litigation practice, from drafting submissions to representing us before decision-making bodies, ensuring our stance on conservation matters is heard loud and clear.
• Proactive Risk Management: Anticipate legal issues, assess risks, and develop innovative strategies to navigate complex legal landscapes, ensuring proactive mitigation and compliance.
  Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
  This is a varied and challenging role. While we are looking for a committed team player, the right person will also be a self-starter and able to work independently.

Please refer the Job description for details