Aviation Safety Advisor

• Be the navigator of aviation safety - lead, influence, and make an impact across New Zealand’s skies.
• Permanent role Auckland, Wellington or Central North Island preference, but applications from anywhere in the North Island are welcomed.

About the role

This critical role sits at the forefront of shaping aviation safety outcomes, working directly with industry to influence behaviour, strengthen capability, and prevent safety failures.

The Aviation Safety Advisor takes a proactive, relationship-led approach, engaging with aviation participants through site visits, forums, and targeted engagement activities. The role provides trusted, evidence-based aviation safety advice, supports open conversations about risk and compliance, and builds strong professional relationships across the sector.

Using insights and intelligence, you’ll identify emerging and systemic safety risks and informs education initiatives and coordinated safety responses across the CAA and industry.

Ideally, you will be based in Auckland, Wellington, or the central North Island, but due to the requirements of the role, applications from elsewhere in the North Island will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The salary band for the Aviation Safety Advisor starts at $115,536 to $141,751 Starting salaries are to be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities.

About us

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. We are building a forward-thinking, modern CAA and are looking for people who want their work to matter, thrive on challenge, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day.

If you’re ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity.

What you’ll bring to the team

This role requires regular engagement with the aviation industry, so strong communication skills and a solid understanding of Civil Aviation Rules are essential, we’re seeking an experienced General Aviation pilot (helicopter or fixed wing) with strong operational knowledge. A company-provided vehicle is also included with the role.

You will be a credible aviation professional with:

• Strong technical and functional capability aligned to New Zealand aviation standards
• Sound knowledge of key regulatory functions, including licensing, certification, monitoring and investigation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trust and influence
• Proven ability to balance internal and external stakeholder expectations using sound judgement and discretion
• Strong problem-solving capability, supported by critical and systems thinking
• A collaborative, relationship-driven approach with the confidence to lead complex safety discussions
• Previous flight instructor/examiner experience would be highly desirable
• A full, clean New Zealand driver licence, enabling regular travel to aviation sites

How to apply

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Your cover letter will be a key part of the assessment process, so please highlight how your experience aligns with the skills and requirements of this role.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is fair, equitable, and accessible. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to assist you through the application process.

For more information, please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz.

Please apply via our Careers site. We are unable to consider email applications.

Applications close: Monday 12th January 2026.