Te Whiwhinga mahi The opportunity
We are looking for a Senior Rail Safety Officer to join our team. This is an opportunity for you to play a vital role in rail safety at NZTA Waka Kotahi by monitoring and assessing rail participants ensuing they meet regulatory and legal requirements.
This is a proactive role where you will work closely with your portfolio of rail licence holders to provide compliance support and advice carry out risk-based assessments (audits) to monitor rail participants as well as exercising statutory powers when required.
We are looking for someone who has a strong background in regulation and is passionate about safety. You will enjoy building effective working relationships with colleagues and regulated parties alike and be able to share your expertise to achieve positive safety outcomes.
Ko koe tēnei About you
To be successful in this role you will bring:
This role requires regular travel throughout New Zealand.
View the position description here.
We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $109408 - $121564 commensurate to skills and experience.
Ko wai mātou About us
As the lead regulator for land transport our purpose is to ensure that the system is safe efficient effective and operates in the public interest. Safety is a top priority for NZTA Waka Kotahi and we as Te Rōpu Waeture (the Regulatory Services group) aim to improve safety and reduce the risk of harm by being a firm and fair real-world regulator applying principles of good practice grounded in Te Ao Maori - Whakapono (Integrity) Manaakitanga (Caring for people) Whanaungatanga (Relationships) and Kotahitanga (Unity). Being a real-world regulator means we take a system view that is focused on improving safety outcomes and reducing harm we work to understand why people behave the way they do and are pragmatic in how we respond we encourage and educate to support people to comply and enforce compliance when necessary.
The National Rail Safety Regulation team regulates the safety of New Zealand rail industry. We ensure the organisations and personnel involved in rail activity meet their safety duties and obligations and ensures system level risks are managed using education engagement and regulatory enforcement.
He aha te take e uru ai koe ki a mātou So why join us
Our people are proud to be part of creating a better New Zealand. Were searching for candidates who share our passion for people communities and the environmentand who are ready to contribute their unique skills to shape a better future.
At NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi youll be part of an organisation where the different backgrounds perspectives and life experiences of our people are celebrated. We want you to feel like you belong here - valued respected and empowered to bring your whole self to work.
From five weeks annual leave through to Life Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual the team and the organisation. And whether its on-the-job experience signing up to a course coaching opportunities or secondments to other roles within NZTA you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.
Me pēhea te tuku tono How to apply:
Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.
Rā Katinga Applications close:
22 February 2026For further information email:
To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.
Required Experience:
Senior IC