Investigation Officer | Āpiha Tūhuratanga

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Exciting challenge that offers the chance to contribute to conservation. Engage others in supporting conservation and kaitiakitanga. Permanent, full-time role based in Auckland. About the role This is your opportunity to apply your law enforcement and investigative skills in the protection of NewZealand's unique wildlife, cultural and natural taonga. As an Investigation Officer, you will lead complex investigations into breaches of conservation legislation. This will involve a high level of responsibility, extensive engagement and coaching of DOC rangers, and the opportunity to work across several DOC regions. This role is primarily responsible for investigations into offending in the Auckland Marine district. The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act established 19 new marine protection areas to enhance the Gulf’s marine health, along with 6 existing marine reserves. This bespoke legislation is the biggest marine protection in a generation and is part of the broader Revitalising the Gulf programme. Alongside investigations into criminal breaches of conservation legislation, you will be required to: Assess the need to investigate reported compliance incidents and work with local DOC management to investigate priority matters. Provide coaching to DOC Rangers warranted to take enforcement action, on the preparation of investigation files to support prosecution recommendations. Quality‑assure infringement fines and warning decisions made by DOC rangers warranted to take enforcement action. Interview offenders, gather evidence and prepare investigation reports in serious cases. Build strong relationships with Regional and District Police and Fisheries officers, district staff, as well as Iwi. Provide evidence as part of court processes. Please note, this appointment also requires the candidate to pass and maintain a Confidential Security Clearance. Significant travel will be required as part of this role, so flexibility is essential to work away from home for several days when needed. Some weekend or public holiday work may be required. Skills and experience If you have most of following, we are keen to hear from you: Well‑developed investigative skills (a minimum of 3 years’ experience of operational enforcement and investigation within a regulatory agency). Ability to coach, mentor and support rangers undertaking investigations. Strong attention to detail. Self‑motivated and able to work with remote supervision. Highly organised with the ability to prioritise appropriately and negotiate the provision of help from others. Confidence and familiarity working with legislative frameworks is key, alongside the ability to collaborate with lawyers and law enforcement agencies. An understanding of law enforcement work in rural and community contexts. Sound knowledge of the Marine Reserves Act is highly advantageous. Full NewZealand driver’s licence. What’s in it for you? DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default. We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader. Salary: $80,695–$101,951, depending on skills and experience. Eligibility: You must hold a valid NewZealand work visa that covers the duration of employment. Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 23 August 2026. For further enquiries, please contact Graeme Scott at [email protected]. The Department of Conservation, TePapa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā TePapa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. #J-18808-Ljbffr