Biosecurity Auditor

Role overview

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking a permanent, full-time Biosecurity Auditor based in Wellington. In this position, you will carry out regulatory work under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and assess Biosecurity New Zealand’s border verification programmes. Your work will help reduce the risk of pests and diseases entering New Zealand and support the protection of the country’s primary industries, trade, economy, and wellbeing.

The role covers auditing and monitoring of verification programmes across transitional facilities, grain import systems, places of first arrival, and border clearance services, including the Recognised Cruise Line Programme. You will also take part in pre-approval checks, investigations, unannounced verification activity, and follow-up actions related to critical non-compliances.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and carry out audits, including contributing to audit schedules and meeting with senior management teams.
• Prepare audit documentation and reports, and take part in peer review and calibration activities.
• Record, maintain, and manage biosecurity-related data accurately.
• Verify that facilities and operators are meeting the required standards, systems, and procedures under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
• Conduct unannounced audits and follow up on significant non-compliance issues.
• Collect and assess objective evidence, complete investigations where needed, and support rectification of non-compliance.

What we’re looking for

This opportunity is well suited to an experienced auditor or someone with a background in risk, assurance, or compliance. Success in this role will come from strong judgment, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders.

You should be able to work independently, make timely evidence-based decisions, build professional relationships, and stay focused on delivering results. Experience working across internal and external stakeholder groups is important, as is the ability to collaborate effectively while maintaining high standards.

Skills and experience

• A recognised qualification relevant to auditing, or substantial practical experience in auditing, compliance, risk, or assurance.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with standards such as ISO 17020 and the responsibilities of authorised signatories.
• Proven ability to conduct audits and evaluate evidence to confirm compliance or identify corrective action.
• Knowledge of biosecurity legislation or sector standards would be an advantage.
• A full, valid New Zealand driver’s licence and willingness to travel within New Zealand when required.

Additional requirements

Successful applicants must complete a comprehensive training course. This is a safety-sensitive role, so the preferred candidate will also need to pass a criminal conviction check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening test.

About the team

Biosecurity New Zealand is responsible for preventing harmful organisms from entering the country through border and compliance activities, as well as preparing for and responding to biosecurity incursions. This role reports to the Assistant Commissioner Central/South and sits within a nationwide team of Biosecurity Auditors.

You will receive full training and ongoing support from the team to help you succeed in the role.

About MPI

MPI works to create opportunities for New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, lift productivity, support safe food, improve sustainable resource use, and reduce biological risk to the country.

Benefits

• Annual wellness payment.
• Additional MPI leave days.
• Career development and access to internal opportunities across the branch and wider organisation.
• Mentoring and coaching programmes.

Salary and employment details

This is a permanent, full-time position in Wellington. The salary band is General Salary Range D, from NZD 100,934 to NZD 108,901 per year, depending on skills and experience.

Application information

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it. In your cover letter, MPI would like you to share information about yourself, your values, your motivation for applying, and the strengths, abilities, personal qualities, and perspectives you would bring to the role. Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 20 July. For role-specific questions, contact the hiring team by email.

Commitment to diversity and partnership

MPI is committed to working in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and values partnerships with iwi, hapū, whānau, and hāpori. The organisation welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and identities and aims to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.