At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor/Partner to join our People and Safety team on a fixed term (7 months) basis. The position is ideally full-time (37.5 hours per week), however part-time would also be considered for the right candidate.

This position can either be based in Dunedin or at one of our Central Otago offices. We welcome applications for both Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor and Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partner, depending on your level of experience.

The purpose of this position is to promote and facilitate Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) across all functions of the Otago Regional Council.

As a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor/Partner, you will be responsible for:

• Partnering with all levels of the ORC, providing expert advice on HSW issues and best practice
• Ensuring ORC’s compliance with the Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Work Act (2015) and its amendments
• Leading and managing projects with a focus towards ORC’s critical risks and continuous improvements
• Leading and contributing to the continuous improvement of current systems, ensuring input is sought from key stakeholders

If you have a passion for health, safety and wellbeing and enjoy working with different stakeholders, then this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Health and Safety (Level 6 Diploma or higher) and/or comparable experience in a H&S Advisory position
• Proven experience in providing Health, Safety and Wellbeing advisory role
• Experience in undertaking site safety audits/assurance checks and assisting field-based staff with risk identification and management
• Excellent people and communication skills with the ability to influence
• Self-managed and can take the initiative

A full job description can be found here - 20251016 position description health, safety and wellbeing partner (1).docx

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note. We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Please note the salary ranges depend on experience. See the below for details:

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor – Approx. $81,000 – 94,0000

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partner – Approx. $94,000 - $110,000

Applications close: Wednesday 1 April 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz