Data Scientist

About the Employer

WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa is the key regulatory authority for workplace health and safety in New Zealand. Their vision is that everyone who goes to work returns home safe and healthy. The organization is driven by their core values of unity in purpose, meaningful engagement, and a strong duty of care.

Team Overview

The Enterprise Planning and Implementation group is a newly established team focusing on strengthening coordination and execution across WorkSafe, especially in prioritizing and supporting work delivery. Within this group, the Data, Analytics and AI team plays a central role in driving data-driven decision-making by developing and maintaining essential data assets that underpin reporting, analytics, and organizational performance. Collaboration with analysts, architects, engineers, and stakeholders is fundamental.

Role Summary

The Data Scientist position involves hands-on application of advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to tackle complex regulatory and organizational challenges. Key projects include developing risk-targeting models to prioritize regulatory activities and AI agents aiding frontline operations. The role requires working closely with data engineers, analysts, and business units to create and implement models and AI products, which enhance the understanding of risk and support improved decision-making for safe workplaces nationwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate sophisticated analytical and AI models.
• Employ statistical methods, machine learning, and AI techniques—such as retrieval-augmented generation, agents, and structured extraction—to address complex data problems.
• Develop evaluation methodologies for models and AI outputs, including crafting test datasets, conducting human reviews, and defining performance metrics.
• Facilitate the operational transition of models and AI tools, monitoring their effectiveness post-deployment.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including data engineers and analysts—to deliver comprehensive solutions.
• Interpret analytical results and communicate model capabilities, limitations, and uncertainties effectively to stakeholders.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated experience managing data science projects end-to-end—from defining the problem and preparing data to modeling, validating, deploying, and monitoring models in production environments.
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, complemented by proficient SQL abilities and familiarity with core data science and machine learning libraries.
• Experience or strong interest in leveraging large language model (LLM)-based technologies such as retrieval-augmented generation, AI agents, or structured extraction methodologies.
• Capability to clearly explain technical concepts, evidence bases, limitations, and uncertainties to non-technical audiences.
• A natural curiosity and enthusiasm to learn modern cloud-based solutions and MLOps tools, specifically within Azure ecosystems.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary framework offers a range from NZD 103,059 to 135,004 annually, exclusive of KiwiSaver and SSRSS employer contributions, with the KiwiSaver employer contribution increasing to 3.5% from 1 April 2026.

• Five weeks of paid annual leave.
• Fifteen days of sick leave annually.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• A structured Reward and Recognition program acknowledging employee contributions.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development.
• Access to employee-led networks advocating for diverse communities, including Rainbow, Pacific, Women’s, and Tū Rangatira Māori groups.

Additional Information

There are two fixed-term positions available until 30 June 2027, with the possibility to be based at any WorkSafe office location in New Zealand. Inter-agency secondments are welcomed but require prior discussion with current management.

This hiring is part of an organizational restructure aimed at enhancing clarity of roles, operational effectiveness, and improved collaboration.

Preference in hiring will be given to current employees affected by these structural changes.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. The recruitment process encourages early applications as shortlisting will occur continuously.

Exposure to AI tools to assist in application preparation is acceptable; however, authentic representation of the applicant’s own abilities and experiences is paramount.