Specialist Adviser (Terrestrial & Aquatic Environments)

Job Description

Specialist Adviser (Terrestrial & Aquatic Environments)

Role type

Fixed term, 3 years

Location

Wellington City

Salary Range

General Salary Range D : $100,934 to $129,804 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga

Are you passionate about protecting Aotearoa New Zealand from biosecurity risks while supporting safe trade and travel?

We're looking for an experienced and motivated individual to join the Terrestrial & Aquatic Environment team within the Biosecurity Import and Export Standards.

This role is central to managing biosecurity risk at New Zealand's border.

You'll help develop and maintain a wide range of standards that set clear requirements for goods and crafts entering the country, and for the facilities receiving those imported goods.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and review of import health standards (IHS) of various inanimate pathways

Craft risk management standards (CRMSs), and facility standards (transitional and containment facilities)

Provide high-quality, evidence-based risk mitigation measures and peer-review technical work

Prepare advice and communication for industry stakeholders and international partners

Lead projects and contribute to strategy and continuous improvement

Engage directly with trading partners, government agencies and other stakeholders

Support and mentor colleagues to build team capability

You will work with industries and stakeholders that import plants, animals, food, equipment, vessels, containers and more, helping ensure safe and practical measures are in place.

Your work will help keep New Zealand's biosecurity strong while enabling trade, travel, and innovation.

Please note the role is Fixed Term - 3 years.

About You – Mou

You are a curious and analytical thinker with a passion for protecting New Zealand's biosecurity, with a strong ability to interpret complex information and translate it into clear, actionable advice.

You thrive in evolving environments and are confident working collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.

Qualifications

A tertiary qualification in a relevant area such as biology, microbiology, environmental science

Experience in biosecurity, risk analysis, regulatory systems, or a similar field

A collaborative and curious mindset

Resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure

The ability to use initiative and perform in an often-ambiguous environment

Excellent communication and presentation skills with a proven ability to adapt quickly to meet audience needs

The ability to see the big picture while delivering practical outcomes

Proven experience in developing positive relationships with internal and external customer and stakeholders across a large, complex business environment

Confidence in leading technical work and stakeholder engagement

Proven project management, planning, and organisational skills

Experience participating in strategic planning

About the Team

You'll be part of a welcoming team that works across science, policy, and regulation to support New Zealand's biosecurity system.

Together, we shape and maintain standards, including IHSs, CRMSs, and facility standards, that are practical, transparent, and evidence based.

We work closely with industry and trading partners to make sure standards are workable and support New Zealand's economy, environment, and communities.

You'll find opportunities to develop your skills, lead meaningful work, and contribute to something that matters.

About MPI – Mo Te Manatu Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.

Benefits of working at MPI – Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses / frames

Are you ready to make a difference?

– Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities.

As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and / or apply online, please click "Apply" or visit the MPI Careers Site.

To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 30 November.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

#J-

• Ljbffr