Associate Advisor Health Safety and Wellbeing

• Are you early in your Health, Safety & Wellbeing career and looking to expand your knowledge in this space?
• Flexible working environment
• Permanent opportunity located in Wellington or Auckland

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity  

This role is responsible for providing high‑quality advice and analysis to the business to drive strong health, safety and wellbeing (HSW) management and performance. The focus is on strengthening organisational culture, supporting delivery of the HSW strategy, and ensuring compliance with obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

This role is based in the HSW Business Partnering team but supports the other HSW portfolios such as HSW Standards and Processes, and Risk and Assurance. A key emphasis is supporting business groups to take ownership of risks and controls and to build sustainable capability.

Acting as an active representative for Health, Safety and Wellbeing, the role supports the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of the HSW management system across the organisation. A proactive approach is central to the role, with responsibility for monitoring and responding to queries, issues and emerging risks from across the organisation. This includes helping identify where additional support is required and coordinating appropriate responses. The role also contributes to data analytics, supporting the development of performance reporting, management reports, and trends and insights.

Exposure across all HSW portfolios enables the role to leverage information, data and insights to support continuous improvement, streamline service delivery, and add value to the wider business groups.

You will find out more about the role here Position Description.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $78,810 - $87,567 commensurate to skills and experience.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for  

Our ideal candidate will have some or all of the following (but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box): 

• Basic understanding of health, safety and wellbeing including practical knowledge of safety principles, and a demonstrated interest in continuously developing knowledge and expertise

• Previous analytical and/or audit experience, showing critical thinking and the ability to raise issues and trends as they arise
• An understanding of policies, frameworks, guidance documents and other required artefacts
• Some knowledge of critical risk control development, with ability to identify risks and controls in the work being undertaken and showing understanding of risks and practical implications
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, creating pragmatic workable solutions and meet deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, presenting information clearly and concisely to a range of internal and external stakeholders through one-on-one conversations and presentations to larger groups

Qualifications

This role requires the following qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Occupational Health & Safety, science, business, health, engineering or related disciplines
• Current full New Zealand drivers’ licence

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Diploma or Certification in Health and Safety or working towards it if there are no tertiary qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety

You will demonstrate knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of, or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.

Mō mātou | About Us

Pūmanawa Tāngata - People and Safety 

The purpose of our group is to:

Provide modern, fit for purpose people and safety related systems, processes, and services for Waka Kotahi, as an enabler of capabilities needed now, and in the future, so we can make better business decisions, deliver all our functions and achieve our strategy.

Lead the implementation of our people strategy across the four arotahi (focus areas) of perform, develop, connect, and simplify.

He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou? | So, why join us?  

Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. We’re searching for candidates who share our passion for people, communities, and the environment – and who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.   

At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, you'll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here - valued, respected, and empowered to bring your whole self to work.  

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees – you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it’s on-the-job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA – you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.   

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply: 

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

18 March 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.