Animal Welfare Inspector

Job Overview

This permanent full-time position is based in Christchurch within the Compliance & Response Directorate of Agriculture & Investment Services at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The role involves leading and conducting investigations related to animal welfare and National Animal Identification & Tracing (NAIT), addressing risks that may impact political, organizational, or export-related matters. The incumbent will work both in the field and office, collaborating with farmers, industry partners, co-regulatory bodies, and internal teams to uphold New Zealand's primary sector integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute statutory duties as an Animal Welfare Inspector and NAIT Officer.
• Assume other appointments as required under acts such as Animal Products Act and Biosecurity Act.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage breaches of the Animal Welfare and NAIT Acts using appropriate intervention mechanisms. Lead, plan, and progress investigations including handling prosecution documentation.
• Participate in emergency readiness and responses guided by the Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS).
• Support coordination of regional and national animal welfare emergency management activities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners including SPCA, New Zealand Police, OSPRI, emergency agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain up-to-date reporting and investigation records in MPI data systems.
• Travel regionally and nationally as required.

Candidate Profile

• Experience in managing compliance and investigation procedures.
• Proven skills in building and managing relationships with internal and external parties.
• Capability to plan and prioritize multiple investigations simultaneously.
• Experience with prosecution processes, court evidence presentation, and enforcement authority use.
• Familiarity with animal husbandry, production practices, and primary sector operations.
• Understanding of primary industry organizations, NAIT agencies, and animal welfare networks.
• Knowledge of biosecurity frameworks.
• Preferably holds or is willing to acquire a firearms license; training for safe firearm and captive bolt handling provided.

Applicants lacking some requirements are encouraged to apply, as MPI offers extensive development and learning opportunities.

Team Environment

The Animal Welfare and NAIT Compliance group operates nationwide to ensure effective compliance and enforcement. The Christchurch team covers Canterbury and cooperates closely with inspectors, officers, analysts, and coordinators. The team works collaboratively with co-regulators and stakeholders such as SPCA, OSPRI, New Zealand Police, local government, industry groups, and other agencies to promote animal welfare and consistent enforcement outcomes.

About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries partners with New Zealand’s food and fiber sectors to be recognized globally as a trusted provider of premium products.

Benefits

• Extra MPI leave days beyond standard leave entitlements.
• An annual wellness payment.
• Paid biennial eye tests with partial coverage for corrective lenses and frames.

Eligibility Requirements

• Ideal candidates are New Zealand citizens with five years residency or those who have lived continuously for five years in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA.
• Ability to obtain a Secret-level security clearance is essential.

Additional Conditions

• As a safety-sensitive position, preferred candidates will undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

Inclusion & Diversity

MPI is committed to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi by collaborating with Māori iwi, hapū, whānau, and communities. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and identities to foster an inclusive work environment.

Application Notes

Applicants should express their values, motivation for the role, personal strengths, relevant abilities, and diverse perspectives, including those gained outside the workforce, in their cover letter.

Additional Information

Applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain the right to work in New Zealand. Applications close at 11:59 pm on October 29.