Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Join a unique team protecting the world's endangered and threatened species.
- Support the regulation and monitoring of international wildlife trade.
- Hybrid role | Central city location | Four weeks + three days annual leave per year pro-rata.
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.
He angitūtanga | About the role
As a CITES Officer you'll be part of a unique team working with one of the largest international conservation treaties in the world – The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES Officers are privileged to work with species and items that very few people would otherwise encounter in New Zealand, while playing a meaningful role in the conservation of species in the wild.
As a CITES Officer, you'll assist in the monitoring and regulation of trade in CITES-listed species across New Zealand's border, in close coordination with Ministry for Primary Industries and New Zealand Customs Service. You'll help process seized or surrendered items, respond to public queries about the international trade of CITES specimens, process CITES permit applications, provide training to Endangered Species Officers, enact enforcement decisions, and file documentation relating to the overall implementation of CITES in New Zealand. You'll work closely with other members of our nationally distributed team to undertake CITES day-to-day duties, as well as members of the Wildlife Crime team.
This role will be largely office-based. The CITES Officer will be required to visit border ports in Auckland weekly. Additional but infrequent travel will be required to support other border ports on a case-by-case basis.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
The successful applicant will have a tertiary education in biological science (or relevant sub-discipline), 3-5 years of experience working in a conservation, regulatory or compliance environment and/or knowledge of the border sector.
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Knowledge of CITES and conservation-related New Zealand legislation.
- Experience in the exercise of discretion and maintaining confidentiality in the conduct of your professional duties.
- Can demonstrate experience of approaching work tasks in an organised, methodical and flexible way, including prioritising competing activities.
- Experience working within a team environment and working with external stakeholders, maintaining positive collaboration whilst taking a firm approach where required.
- A full New Zealand driver licence and willingness to occasionally drive cars from the Department's fleet (the majority of which are electric) is essential.
- Successful applicants must be able to gain and maintain an Aviation Security Service clearance to work at relevant border locations. More details on permanent airport identity cards can be found here: Permanent airport identity cards | aviation.govt.nz.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.
Tono ināianei | 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, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.
The salary range for this position is $79,656 to $100,639 with the successful applicant's starting salary being $79,656.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that overs the whole period of employment.
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 2 March 2025.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Mark Ryan, Team Lead Border Operations, at mryan@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1842561