Principal Compliance Officer

As New Zealand's environmental regulator, the work we do today helps shape the future of our tomorrow. Our purpose | To tatoukaupapaWe are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA),AotearoaNew 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, itseconomyand its people.Ourkaupapais about making the right decisions based on evidence,mātauranga, and science.At the EPA, we encouragebig ideasandbold goals.What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.Jump in the waka - make history with us. About our group Compliance,monitoringand enforcement is an integral part of the EPA's work to protect the environment and the health outcomes of New Zealanders. Activities undertaken by the CME Group sit alongside decision-making and engagement and are fundamental to the overall strategic direction of the EPA.The Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Group helps everyone - from small businesses to big organisations - understand andcomply withenvironmental regulations to help protect communities, theenvironmentand people.We do this through educating, engaging,monitoringand investigating, and taking enforcement action when necessary. This approachbenefitsthe environment, theeconomyand communities, and means we can focus our resources (including our enforcement powers) on tackling the most important environmental issues. About the role This role is based in our Wellington office. Whilewe'rehappy to consider work-from-home arrangements, this role is not designed for full-time remote working. As Principal Compliance Officer, you will provide senior leadership in regulatory compliance,monitoringand enforcement across the EPA's environmental legislation. In this role within theMonitoring and Proactive Campaigns Team, you will lead and support complex compliance,monitoringand proactiveactivities, provide expert technical advice and quality assurance, and help shape regulatory practice across the organisation. As a member of the CME Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategic initiatives, influence process and policy improvements, mentor and develop compliance professionals, and build strong relationships with regulatory partners,industryand government stakeholders. About you A tertiary qualification in environmental science, environmental management, engineering, physical sciences or a related discipline, and/orsignificant experiencein a relevant industry. Extensive experience in regulatory compliance, monitoring,investigationsand enforcement, including the use of statutory enforcement tools and involvement in complex or high-profile regulatory matters. Strong experience interpreting and applying legislative frameworks to complex situations anddeterminingproportionate regulatory responses. Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex information,identifyrisks and provide practical, evidence-based advice. Demonstrated experience mentoring,coachingand developing others, whileproviding senior technical guidance across teams. Proven ability to influence and build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, iwi,communitiesand regulatory partners. Strong communication,negotiationand conflict-management skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical,scientificand legal information clearly to diverse audiences. Advanced knowledge of regulatory approaches, compliance monitoring,proactive campaigns/planned,targeted complianceprogrammes,investigations,enforcementand risk management within a New Zealand regulatory environment. An understanding of environmental regulation and the risks associated with regulated activities, ideally within sectors such as hazardous substances, emissions trading,theExclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),mining,extractivesor other environmental domains. What's in it for you flexible working culture threeadditionalpaidleave days between Christmas and New Years in addition to four weeks'annual leave $400non-taxablepayment to help you set up working at home anannualpaidEPAEnvironmentDayto supportthecommunitywith environmental initiatives in-house Māoriculturalcapability building programme learning opportunities,including the annualEPASymposium activeand livelysocial club,and diverse groupsandsupportnetworks EPAawards recognising individual and team effort relocation helpfor those moving to New Zealandfrom overseas. Salary range $126,733 - $190,099 (midpoint $158,416) This is the full salary range of the band, from 80% - 120%. Appointments willgenerally bemade at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience. Applications close 5pm, Monday 24 August 2026 We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application stage. #J-18808-Ljbffr