Adviser Agricultural Chemicals | Wellington City

Job Description

Adviser Agricultural Chemicals

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General Salary Range F: $76,463 to $101,967 depending on skills and experience

(Salary midpoint is $89,215)

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are looking for a technically skilled and analytical Adviser Agricultural Chemicals to join our Assessments Agricultural Chemicals team in the ACVM (Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines) directorate within New Zealand Food Safety.

This is a critical regulatory role where you will evaluate scientific data and provide evidence-based advice to support the authorisation of agricultural compounds (including agricultural chemicals and vertebrate toxic agents) under the ACVM Act.

In this role, you will:

• Evaluate scientific data across multiple disciplines and apply risk assessment and risk management principles
• Prepare high-quality regulatory reports, assessment summaries, and recommendations
• Provide clear and pragmatic regulatory advice to applicants, stakeholders, and internal teams
• Contribute to the development and implementation of standards, policies, and guidance
• Support adverse event reporting programmes and class determinations
• Collaborate with internal teams and other agencies to ensure well-informed, consistent regulatory decisions
• Identify emerging risks or trends and contribute to continuous improvement of regulatory systems and processes.

About You – Mōu

You will bring a strong technical background, sound judgement, and the ability to apply scientific thinking in a regulatory environment. You're comfortable working with complex information and communicating it clearly to a range of audiences.

You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, complemented by excellent written communication. You are confident engaging with stakeholders and building effective relationships, while also having the ability to prioritise work and deliver to deadlines.

We're especially interested in candidates who have:

• A relevant science degree (e.g. plant biology, horticultural science or chemistry)
• Experience evaluating scientific or technical data relating to agricultural chemicals or similar
• Experience preparing regulatory reports and evidence-based recommendations
• Understanding of risk assessment and risk management in a regulatory context
• Ability to interpret complex technical issues and provide clear advice
• Knowledge of agricultural, horticultural, or related sectors

About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll be part of the ACVM directorate within New Zealand Food Safety, working alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and regulatory specialists.

The Assessments Agricultural Chemicals team works collaboratively across MPI and with external partners, including other government agencies and industry stakeholders, to ensure effective regulation of agricultural compounds and to support safe, sustainable primary industries.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū 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 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 Tuesday 7th July 2026

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

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