Investigation Officer | Āpiha Tūhuratanga

• Exciting challenge that offers the chance to contribute to conservation
• Engage others in supporting conservation and kaitiakitanga   
• Permanent, full-time role based in Auckland 

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

This is your opportunity to apply your law enforcement and investigative skills in the protection of New Zealand'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.  

This is a full-time, permanent role based in Auckland. 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. 

Click here for the Role Description  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

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

• have 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 
• be 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 
• have 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 New Zealand driver’s licence. 

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.