As New Zealand's environmental regulator, the work we do today helps shape the future of our tomorrow.

Our purpose | To tātou Kaupapa

We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important; to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people.

Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions, based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. We are passionate people working as one EPA to encourage big ideas and bold goals.

What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come. We welcome you to join us on our journey to a healthy environment that benefits us all.

Jump in the waka - make history with us.

About our group | Mō te roopu

Compliance, monitoring and enforcement is an integral part of the EPA’s work to protect the environment and the health outcomes of New Zealanders. Activities undertaken by the CME Group sit alongside decision-making and engagement and are fundamental to the overall strategic direction of the EPA.

The Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Group helps everyone – from small businesses to big organisations - understand and comply with environmental regulations to help protect communities, the environment and people.

We do this through educating, engaging, monitoring and investigating, and taking enforcement action when necessary. This approach benefits the environment, the economy and communities, and means we can focus our resources (including our enforcement powers) on tackling the most important environmental issues.

Our multi-disciplinary team of compliance, monitoring and enforcement officers work together, supporting each other to carry out this essential role in maintaining and upholding New Zealand’s environmental regulatory regime for the good of all of Aotearoa today, and for future generations.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

We are looking for an Investigator and a Senior Investigator to join us and support the delivery of multi-disciplinary CME functions. You will be required to carry out a range of CME activities including providing technical/procedural advice and support for monitoring and compliance, to fulfil the EPAs legislative mandate.


As part of this role, you will plan and lead investigations into non-compliance and identify appropriate outcomes that mitigate risk to people and the environment.


Effective leadership is a key requirement for the Senior Investigator position, to ensure the effective sharing of knowledge and expertise, whilst embracing organisational values and behaviours.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are seeking a self-motivated person who is keen to make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. For the Investigator role, we are looking for someone who has a range of qualities, including:

• Experience in the preparation of prosecution files, seizing exhibits and interviewing.
  

• Experience in regulatory compliance and enforcement, ideally within central or local Government.
  

• Experience of applying legislation to unique and dynamic situations to identify potential breaches.
  

• Experience in risk identification, assessment and mitigation in a regulatory environment.
  
  

For the Senior Investigator role, we are looking for someone to bring the following skills in addition to the above:

• Experience of leading complex investigations resulting in prosecution.
  

• Proven experience in scene examination, recording of evidence, collection and management.
  

• Comprehensive knowledge of issuing statutory notices and orders, laying charges and Court processes.
  

• Proven experience of mentoring and developing others in regulatory compliance practices.
  

• Comprehensive experience in regulatory compliance and enforcement, ideally within central or local Government.
  

• Experience in analysing complex technical and scientific data, with an ability to identify non-compliance with legislation.
  

What’s in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:

• flexible working culture
  

• three paid ‘Board holidays’ in addition to four weeks’ annual leave
  

• $400 gross payment to help you set up working at home
  

• an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives
  

• in-house Māori cultural capability building programme
  

• learning opportunities, including the annual Science Symposium
  

• active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks
  

• EPA awards recognising individual and team effort
  

Salary range

Investigator salary range | $83,724 - $125,586 per annum (midpoint $104,655).

Senior Investigator salary range | $100,779 - $151,169 per annum (midpoint $125,974).

This is the full salary range. Appointments are made within the range depending on skills and experience.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter.
Please note: your covering letter is an important part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to this role, and why you applied. Tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa.

View the Investigator Position description

View the Senior Investigator Position description

For more information, please contact recruit@epa.govt.nz or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers.

Applications close | Rā Katinga

5pm, 7 November 2024