Aviation Safety Advisor

• Influence aviation safety through industry engagement and education
• Build trusted relationships across New Zealand's aviation sector
• Lead proactive safety conversations that make a real impact

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 inform education initiatives and coordinated safety responses across the CAA and industry.

Ideally, you will be based in Wellington, or the Lower North Island however applications from outside this area will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Travel is a regular part of the role and provides the opportunity to engage directly with aviation organisations throughout New Zealand.

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.

For more information on the role please view the position description.  

What you’ll bring
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 Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (helicopter or fixed wing) with strong maintenance 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
• Former experience as a Maintenance Controller would be desirable
• A full, clean New Zealand driver licence, enabling regular travel
• Experience presenting and leading in person workshops would be highly desirable
• Must hold, or have held, a New Zealand Maintenance Engineer License

About us 

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation. 

 
Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly. 

Our values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration guide everything we do. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute. 

Why Join Us? 

• 5 weeks annual leave

• Sick leave entitlements from day 1 
• Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%  

• Vision assistance 

• Flu Vaccinations 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Ready 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 our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the skills required for this role. 

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you. 

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz 

Applications close: Friday 28 August 2026

Please be aware that we may start shortlisting as applications come in. We encourage early applications, as the advertisement may close sooner than stated.