Principal Compliance Officer

About the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

The EPA serves as New Zealand's independent environmental regulator, dedicated to safeguarding the nation's environment, economy, and population health. Their mission revolves around making informed decisions grounded in evidence, mātauranga, and scientific research. The organization promotes innovative thinking and ambitious objectives to positively impact New Zealand's future.

About the Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Group

This team is essential in protecting New Zealand’s environment and public health by facilitating compliance with environmental laws through education, engagement, monitoring, investigation, and enforcement actions. Their work supports sound environmental, economic, and community outcomes by focusing efforts on critical issues. The multidisciplinary team collaborates to uphold the nation's regulatory frameworks for both current and future generations.

Role Overview

Positioned in Wellington with flexible work-from-home options (excluding full-time remote work), the Principal Compliance Officer offers senior leadership for compliance, monitoring, and enforcement under the EPA’s environmental legislation. Operating within the Monitoring and Proactive Campaigns Team, the role involves managing complex compliance activities, offering technical expertise, quality assurance, and influencing regulatory practices. As part of the CME Leadership Team, the role impacts strategic projects, policy refinement, mentoring staff, and strengthening partnerships across government, industry, iwi, and communities.

Candidate Profile

• Holds tertiary qualifications in environmental sciences, management, engineering, physical sciences, or related disciplines, or possesses substantial relevant industry experience.
• Experienced in regulatory compliance, investigations, enforcement actions, and use of statutory enforcement tools, specifically on complex or high-profile matters.
• Skilled in interpreting and applying legislation to complex cases and developing balanced regulatory responses.
• Possesses strong analytical abilities to evaluate complicated data, spot risks, and deliver clear, evidence-based guidance.
• Proven track record in mentoring, coaching, and providing senior technical direction to teams.
• Capable of influencing senior stakeholders across sectors, including government, industry, iwi, and communities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills with the ability to clearly explain complex technical, scientific, and legal concepts.
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand regulatory approaches to compliance monitoring, proactive campaigns, investigations, enforcement, and risk management.
• Understanding of environmental regulation in sectors such as hazardous substances, emissions trading, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), mining, extractive industries, or comparable fields.

Benefits

• Flexible working atmosphere that supports work-life balance.
• Additional three paid leave days between Christmas and New Year on top of standard four weeks annual leave.
• One-time $400 non-taxable payment to support working-from-home setup.
• Annual paid EPA Environment Day for community environmental initiatives.
• Access to in-house Māori cultural capability programs.
• Various learning and development opportunities, including the EPA Symposium.
• Vibrant social club and diverse support networks within the organization.
• Employee recognition through EPA awards for individual and team achievements.
• Assistance with relocation costs for internationally relocating candidates.

Salary Range

The salary band ranges from $126,733 to $190,099, with the midpoint at $158,416. Offers will generally fall at or below the midpoint based on qualifications and experience.

Application Process

Applicants should submit an online application form including a CV and a cover letter emphasizing relevant experience and personal values or whakapapa. The cover letter is a critical part of the evaluation.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 24 August 2026. Early applications may be considered as the selection process might commence prior to the deadline.