Specialist Adviser Agriculture Chemicals | Wellington City

Job Description

Specialist Adviser - Agricultural Chemicals

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General Salary Range C: $121,764 to $163,227 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Are you a highly experienced scientist looking to apply your expertise in a role that influences agricultural innovation, food production, and environmental outcomes at a national level? We're seeking an experienced scientific specialist to join our Agricultural Chemicals team within the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) directorate, within New Zealand Food Safety.

The ACVM directorate plays a pivotal role in the assessment of agricultural chemicals that support sustainable food and fibre production. Whether you're currently based in New Zealand or overseas, this is an opportunity to contribute to a respected science-based regulatory system, work alongside recognised experts, and enjoy the exceptional lifestyle, natural environment, and work-life balance New Zealand is renowned for.

New Zealand is internationally recognised for its high-quality food and primary production systems, underpinned by robust science and trusted regulation.

Working alongside a highly skilled team of scientists and regulatory specialists, you'll assess innovative agricultural technologies and contribute to science-based decisions that support farmers, growers, consumers, and the environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead complex scientific assessments of novel agricultural chemical applications
• Evaluate efficacy, plant safety, residues, and chemistry and manufacturing data, and prepare high-quality regulatory reports.
• Provide expert advice on technically challenging or precedent-setting issues
• Peer review scientific assessments to ensure consistency, quality, and scientific rigour
• Support the development of regulatory standards, guidance documents, and regulatory systems
• Mentor and coach team members, helping build technical capability across the directorate.
• Engage with industry, international regulators, and other stakeholders
• Contribute to cross-functional programmes, strategic initiatives and regulatory responses to emerging issues

Why Join Us?

• We welcome applications from both New Zealand-based and international candidates. The successful applicant must hold, or be eligible to obtain, the right to work in New Zealand.
• This role offers significant opportunities to influence regulatory decision-making, contribute to policy and system improvements, and help shape how New Zealand responds to emerging scientific developments and future agricultural challenges.
• You'll engage with industry, research organisations, and international regulatory authorities, contributing to a globally connectd regulatory environment.
• Join a respected team recognised for scientific excellence and collaboration.
• Enjoy Wellington's vibrant lifestyle and New Zealand's renowned work-life balance.
• For international candidates, this is an opportunity to build your career in a globally recognised regulatory environment while experiencing New Zealand's renowned quality of life, with easy access to stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreation, rich cultural experiences, and an enviable work-life balance that attracts talent from around the world.

About You - Mōu

You're an experienced science or technical professional with a strong background in agricultural chemicals or in a related scientific or regulatory field. You enjoy applying scientific knowledge to real-world decisions and are comfortable working with complex or evolving information.

You bring strong analytical skills and sound judgement, and can translate technical information into clear, practical advice for a range of audiences.

In addition, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in agriculture, horticulture, plant science, chemistry or a related discipline
• Strong understanding of risk management principles and regulatory frameworks (e.g. ACVM Act)
• Significant regulatory and technical expertise in areas such as chemistry, residues, efficacy, or plant safety
• Experience working with complex, novel or high-risk products
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information into clear advice
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and support others
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Agricultural Chemicals team is a highly respected group of scientists and regulatory specialists with expertise spanning chemistry, residues, efficacy, plant safety, and risk assessment. We work collaboratively, challenge each other's thinking through robust peer review, and support one another to deliver high-quality scientific advice.

You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced specialists, contribute your own expertise, and help build capability across the team. We value curiosity, continuous improvement, and professional development, creating an environment where people can grow and thrive throughout their careers.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

We are passionate about growing prosperity in New Zealand's primary sectors 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
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames 

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/working-mpi/benefits/

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 Wednesday 19th August 2026

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

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