Compliance Officer - Forestry

Location: Gisborne, Tairāwhiti
Work type: Full-time

We're looking for a skilled, tenacious Compliance Officer to take on the forestry industry, getting boots on the ground, gathering evidence, and driving enforcement action that protects our communities, rivers, and coastline.

Mō te tūranga | About the position  

This is a specialist field-based role focused on identifying, investigating, and enforcing compliance with forestry regulations across the Tairāwhiti region. You'll inspect high-risk radiata pine forests, collect evidence of slash and debris that poses a risk in storm or landslide events, and apply to the Environment Court for enforcement orders requiring forest owners to remediate.

You'll be working in a team that takes enforcement seriously. Expect remote locations, four-wheel drive tracks, and the satisfaction of real accountability.

Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include:

• Inspect & investigate - Survey high-risk forests, identify hazardous slash and debris, and build solid evidence files

• Enforce orders - Apply to the Environment Court, give evidence, and monitor compliance with court orders

• Plan & report - Contribute to risk-based inspection programmes and provide regular compliance reports

• Engage & collaborate - Work with the public, industry, iwi, and your wider compliance team

Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:

• A tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Law — or 5+ years' experience in compliance, investigations, or auditing

• Solid understanding of resource management legislation and compliance processes

• Strong interpersonal skills, you can handle conflict calmly and build relationships across different groups

• Full, clean NZ driver's licence and competent 4WD operation

• Ability to work independently in the field, including remote and physically demanding locations

• Organised, digitally confident, and able to maintain evidence chains and records accurately

It’s a bonus if you bring knowledge of forestry impacts, GIS systems, drones, but we’ll support the right person to grow these skills.

Ngā Huanga | Benefits

• Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing

• Wellbeing first: Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu jabs, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package

• Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events

• Perks: Modern offices, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks

• Growth: A values-led environment where your development is supported

• Relocation support: Assistance available to help you make the move to Gisborne

• Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush

He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council

At GDC, we’re committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weaving te ao Māori into our mahi. Our work is diverse — from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region’s future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we’re a passionate team dedicated to making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play.

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

If you’re looking for a role with impact — protecting our environment, supporting our communities, and shaping the future of Tairāwhiti — we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, email [email protected].
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will be filled once the right candidate is identified.

To view the full job description, visit our careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers and check the job attachments section.