Adviser (Terrestrial & Aquatic Environments) | Wellington City

Job Description

Adviser (Terrestrial & Aquatic Environment)

Role type: Fixed-term until 14 August 2026, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary Range: General Salary Range F: $74,964 to $87,466 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga
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 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.

As an Adviser, you will:

• support 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).
• assist with risk analysis to inform biosecurity measures.
• help prepare advice and communication for industry stakeholders and international partners.
• grow your knowledge of regulatory systems, technical writing, and project work.

You will work with industries and stakeholders that import plants, animals, food, equipment, vessels, containers and more, helping to ensure safe and practical measures are in place. Your work will help keep New Zealand's biosecurity strong while enabling trade, travel, and innovation.

About you – Mōu

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.

You will have:

• 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.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
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 IHS's, CRMS's, 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 will find opportunities to develop your skills, lead meaningful work, and contribute to something that matters.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū 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.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? -
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

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 Manatū 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 11.59pm on Tuesday 8^th July

If you have any questions about the role, please email george.mitrakas@mpi.govt.nz 

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