Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Looking for Biosecurity Auditor at Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Biosecurity Auditor

Role type: Permanent

Location: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Salary Range: $82,817 to $128,570 depending on skills and experience

Kōrero mō te Tūranga – About the Role

We are looking for five new Biosecurity Auditors based in our Auckland office who will be dedicated to delivering Border Clearance Services verification programmes at higher, risk, complexity and priority businesses approved under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

These brand-new roles will be responsible for auditing verification programmes that will strengthen the biosecurity system, reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases impacting New Zealand, play a vital role in protecting NZ primary industries, and provide assurance for trade which underpins New Zealand’s economy and wellbeing.

As a Biosecurity Auditor, you will be delivering Border Clearance Services verification programmes which includes high risk transitional facilities, grain import systems, places of first arrival and the recognised cruise line programme.

Biosecurity Auditors will be delivering pre-approval verification of businesses and operators and will be conducting investigations and unannounced verification where required, to follow up on critical non-compliances and/or to gather information required by Biosecurity New Zealand.

Biosecurity Auditors contribute to MPI achieving its vision, by verifying approved programmes designed to assure the effectiveness and integrity of the sea cargo and sea passenger pathway. These may include but are not limited to high-risk transitional facilities, grain import systems, places of first arrival and the recognised cruise line programme. The scope of the role includes:

Auditing – participating in setting audit schedules using risk-based criteria; conduct entry and exit meetings at a strategic level with senior management; and systems as required; write audit reports within agreed timelines; participate in peer review and calibration exercises.

Compliance – verify facilities that are trending downwards; conduct unannounced audits to ensure compliance with relevant standards is consistently achieved; determine the compliance of systems and procedures with standards issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993; determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the performance of activities by persons who carry out activities for the purposes of the Biosecurity Act 1993; determine the compliance of the activities of persons, systems, procedures, and facilities with the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Mōu – About You

This is a great opportunity for an ambitious and people focused individual who is interested in developing a career in Biosecurity New Zealand.

To be successful in this role we are looking for someone who:

• Is a holder of a current clean full licence for driving manual motor vehicles
• Is a self-starter and can work as part of a team and independently
• Is resilient and is results-focussed
• Has clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Has demonstrated ability to listen and engage to form professional relationships
• Has experience in making timely decisions, balancing the desire for complete information with the need to progress important or urgent matters.

If you are successful, you will be expected to attend and successfully complete a comprehensive training course. Willingness to travel within New Zealand is required when possible.

In order to be considered for this role, applicants must be available for an interview within New Zealand, must hold a current New Zealand work permit or be a New Zealand resident and hold a New Zealand driver’s licence.

Ngā Pūkenga Me Ngā Wheako – Skills & Experience

• A qualification in lead auditing of quality systems
• In-depth understanding of biosecurity legislation and standards and its application
• Have in depth knowledge of specific sector standards (Animal and Plant Health standards) and regulatory processes (approvals, infringements) as necessary for the Biosecurity Auditor role
• Knowledge of external lead auditing principles, standards, and processes.
• Experience in managing internal and external relationships with an assortment of stakeholders, with demonstrated success in building relationships.
• Understands ISO17020 application and duties of authorised signatories
• Demonstrated ability to conduct audits, elicit and evaluate objective evidence, and ensure appropriate rectification of non-compliance

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

Mō tō mātou Rōpū – About the Team

Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) plays a critical role in preventing harmful organisms crossing New Zealand’s borders. It manages border and compliance activities as well as preparing for, and responding to, any biosecurity incursions that may occur.

This role will report to a Regional Manager, working amongst a team of 13 Biosecurity Auditors that are based in around the country.

You will receive comprehensive training and be provided with support from the team to ensure your success in this role.

Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua – About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand’s food and fibre sector to be the world’s most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products.

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua – Benefits of working at MPI

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

Wā Mahi Ngāwari – Flexible Working

We support flexible working arrangements and are happy to discuss these options with you.

Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro – Drug and Alcohol Screening

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? – Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications should include a copy of the applicant’s CV and a cover letter detailing:

• Why you are interested in the role, and
• An overview of how your skills and experience relate to the role.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 6th September 2023.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected]

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