As New Zealand's environmental regulator, the work we do today helps shape the future of our tomorrow.
Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa
We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa 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, matauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals.
What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.
Come join us
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 | Mo te roopu
Our Legal Services team helps to bring the EPA's vision to life by guiding the EPA in delivering on its regulatory and legal responsibilities and strategic direction.
Our kaupapa helps the EPA to protect the environment by providing solution focused advice, as the EPA's trusted advisors, on legal issues associated with the EPA's wide-ranging statutory functions.
The protection of the environment sits at the heart of every decision we make. We're a passionate and connected crew, who put in the mahi to achieve meaningful outcomes for our people and the environment.
About the role | Mo te tunga
We are looking for an experienced Senior Solicitor with a minimum of 5 years' experience to join our friendly, high-performing legal team, and to support the establishment and delivery of the Gene Technology Regulator Function.
This includes:
Provide advice relating to the Gene Technology Bill as it progresses through the Parliamentary process
Provide advice relating to the gene technology regulatory system beyond the Gene Technology Bill
Undertake contract reviews and legal advice regarding any associated contract negotiations
Provide legal support for any contract or dispute resolution
general governance and policy advice, including ethical considerations, and liability issues.
Provide other advice as a member of the Legal team as needed
About you | Mohou ake
We are looking for someone with a range of skills and experience - if you have some or all of the below, we would love to hear from you.
5+ years' experience PQE as a lawyer
Senior level experience, preferably within a regulatory environment
Experience advising on matters relating to public law
Excellent analytical skills and ability to provide accurate, timely, practical, solutions-focused legal advice
A proven ability to effectively handle competing priorities and tight timeframes
Ability to proactively identify, and appropriately record and communicate, legal risks for the EPA
Strong problem-solving skills including the ability to think laterally and apply knowledge to multifaceted scenarios
Highly developed communication and influencing skills with good relationship management
An interest in, or experience with, genetic technologies or biological regulation would also be advantageous
What's in it for you | Nga ahuatanga kei a matou
There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:
In-house Maori cultural capability building programme
Learning opportunities including the annual EPA Symposium
Active social club and diverse range of groups and support networks
Flexible working culture
Organisation wide awards recognising both individual and team effort
Salary range |
Senior Solicitor- $100,799 - $151,169 (midpoint $125,974)
This is the full salary range. Appointments are made within the range depending on skills and experience.
How to apply | Me pehea 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 Position Description
For more information, please contact [email protected] or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers.
We are open to supporting inter agency secondments. If possible, please discuss the prospect of joining us with your current manager, before submitting your application.
Applications close | Ra Katinga
5pm, Thursday 7 August 2025
We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application period.
