Senior Advisor – Wellbeing and Safety, Department of Conservation I Te Papa Atawhai

 

department of conservation logo

 

  • Eager to promote a positive culture of safety and wellbeing within the organisation?
  • Salary range between $92,450 - $116,985 depending on skills and experience.
  • Full time role until August 2025 - Fixed term/Secondment/Inter-agency secondment; Christchurch (preference) or Wellington (other locations will be considered).

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.

Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

We are excited to introduce this newly established role within our People and Culture team, we are looking for someone with strong background and experience in organisational psychology to drive impactful change from day one. In this role, you will lead the development of systems and processes dedicated to managing workplace mental health risks, aligning with our Wellbeing Strategy to enhance our employee wellbeing, so they are well supported to thrive and deliver for conservation.

This position is distinct from traditional Health & Safety roles. We need someone with a holistic view and understanding of psychosocial risks in a large complex workplace who can collaboratively design and implement innovative processes that go beyond basic compliance (though compliance remains crucial).

You will leverage a consultative and pragmatic approach with exceptional communication skills to build trusting relationships across the business. Your role will involve conducting risk assessments, identifying control measures, developing incident reporting systems, and creating resources to address mental health risks effectively.

While we ideally seek candidates based in our Christchurch or Wellington offices, we are open to considering other locations. This role is available as a fixed-term position, secondment, or inter-agency secondment through to the end of August 2025.

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To be considered, you should have substantial experience in psychosocial risk management, including the development and implementation of systems in medium to large, complex workplaces. Experience working within New Zealand government regulatory frameworks and operational environments would be preferred.

If you have the following, we are keen to hear from you:

  • Skilled in conducting risk analysis and implementing risk management systems.
  • A qualification in organisational psychology, health and safety or equivalent.
  • Sound understanding of current research and best practice guidance in psychosocial risk management and workplace mental health.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex technical information and data simply and clearly adjusting content to the audience.
  • Experience in the wider public sector and state sector operating environment in highly desirable, particularly with large, dispersed workforce.

 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. 

You can learn more about what we offer here.(external link)

 

Tono ināianei | Apply now

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai(external link). Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications.

The salary range for this position is $92,450 to $116,985 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga |Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 15 August 2024.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Navlene Singh, Performance and Culture Systems Manager at nasingh@doc.govt.nz.

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1809533WFT