Vehicle Specialist

• Be our vehicle compliance champion to create a safer road network
• Contribute to road safety through regulatory activities
• Supportive and inclusive team and leadership
• Permanent role based in Palmerston North

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for a Vehicle Specialist to work with commercial operators across the transport sector, providing technical advice, practical support and regulatory guidance to help improve compliance and road safety outcomes.

In this role, you will inspect, investigate and support audit activity, working with operators to encourage compliance through education, intervention and enforcement where required.

You will support operators across Kapiti Coast, Manawatu, Ruapehu, Taupo, Whanganui and Taranaki, so you will need to be comfortable with regular travel as part of the role.

This is a varied and hands-on role where you will spend time both in the office and out on site, working in a fast-paced regulatory environment where sound judgement, credibility and strong communication skills are essential.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $100,000 - $108,000 commensurate to skills and experience.

View the position description here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

This role will draw on your significant Heavy Vehicle inspection skills, the ability to perform audits and work with others to implement a range of interventions to achieve regulatory outcomes.

You are a strong people person, able to have uncomfortable conversations while also focusing on the best levers to achieve regulatory compliance.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Practical experience and understanding of heavy motor vehicles, supported by a mechanical or workshop background and a strong understanding of vehicle systems
• Experience conducting investigations and audits to reach resolutions within regulatory guidelines
• Excellent communication and written presentations skills
• A positive attitude and an innovative approach to problem-solving
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Ability to understand and apply legislation, policy, and technical standards in an operational context
• High degree of confidence and ability using multiple IT systems
• Working knowledge and understanding of COF is useful

Qualifications

• NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering L4 or 5, or an equivalent

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

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 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.

We apply 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 systems 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.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

At NZTA Waka Kotahi, we offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Five weeks annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees
• A supportive and inclusive culture focused on wellbeing and development

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click Apply to upload your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

28 August 2026

For further information, email: [email protected]

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.