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, mātauranga, 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.
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.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Solicitor with a minimum of 5 years’ experience 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 regulatory compliance matters 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
Provide advice relating to any Intellectual Property (IP) protection within EPA and the Gene Technology regulator
Provide general EPA governance and policy advice, including ethical considerations, and liability issues.
Provide general backfill to the Legal team as needed
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
Experience in or a keen interest in the application of the Resource Management Act would be advantageous
An interest in, or experience with, genetic technologies or biological regulation would also be advantageous
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.
Good analytical skills and ability to provide accurate, timely, practical, solutions-focused legal advice
Ability to proactively identify, and appropriately record and communicate, legal risks for the EPA
Good problem-solving skills including the ability to think laterally, seek views and apply knowledge to multifaceted scenarios
Highly developed communication skills and good relationship management
A proven ability to effectively handle competing priorities and tight timeframes
Sound judgement, professionalism and integrity
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a high degree of EQ and a collaborative working style
Previous experience advising on, or knowledge of public law preferred.
Previous experience or knowledge of regulatory context preferred
Experience in or a keen interest in the application of the Resource Management Act would be advantageous
There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:
Flexible working culture
In-house Māori cultural capability building programme
Learning opportunities including the annual EPA Symposium
Active social club and diverse range of groups and support networks
Organisation wide awards recognising both individual and team effort
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.
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. (delete if inter-agency secondments are not applicable to the role)
