At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Compliance Officer – Biosecurity to join our Environmental Implementation team on a permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our Dunedin office.

The purpose of this position is to provide professional, legally and technically sounds services to the Council for Biosecurity compliance under the main legislation the Otago Regional Council is responsible for. The role plays a critical role in protecting the environment, biodiversity, and primary industries by monitoring regulated biosecurity activities, investigating potential breaches, and taking appropriate compliance and enforcement actions when necessary.

As a Compliance Officer - Biosecurity, you will be responsible for:

• Undertaking inspections and reinspection’s, and assess compliance with the Regional Pest Management Plan for Otago and the Biosecurity Act
• Encourage compliance through the provision of sound advice and information to the public
• Providing technical expertise and support to staff who are developing the Regional Pest Management plan where required
• Writing compliance reports and memos
• Actively participate in community meetings, advocating ORC’s viewpoint where appropriate

If you are keen to protect our Otago environment and helping educate the public on biosecurity compliance, then this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in an appropriate discipline e.g. Environmental Management, Conservation, Biosecurity
• A current full driver’s license
• Experienced in data capture and analysis and risk management
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Practical knowledge of commonly used pest control methods and the ability to apply both to apply them and to promote them to other users

A full job description can be found here-Compliance Officer Biosecurity.pdf

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Friday, 20 November 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz