Inspector

• Great opportunity to use your technical aviation expertise to positively influence aviation safety performance.
• Build on your wealth of experience, while working in a regulatory environment.
• Permanent role – Wellington based but will consider Auckland Airport or Christchurch Airport.

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.

Now’s the time to get on board. We’re building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, 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.

About the role

This role is a key position in our Monitoring and Inspection team. It will give you the opportunity to positively influence continuous improvement in safety by engaging and communicating closely with aviation organisations and individuals. As such, you will be required to exercise sound judgement and responsibility within an established operating framework.

You’ll be responsible for undertaking monitoring and inspection activities to evaluate safety performance and promote best practices within the New Zealand aviation system. At times, you will also provide specialist support across the organisation where your expertise will be called on to assist with education, certification, licensing and investigation activities.

Ideally you will be based in Wellington, however, Auckland or Christchurch airport locations will be considered. 

Travel is a major component for this role. You can anticipate being away from home for 2-3 nights approximately one to two times per month. This will mostly involve domestic travel and sometimes may involve international travel, so you will need a full NZ Driver’s Licence and valid passport.

The salary band for the Inspector position starts at $115,536 to a maximum of $161,412. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities across the organisation.

What you’ll bring

To be successful in this role you will possess excellent communication skills with the ability to influence the management of safety at all levels. Your critical thinking, technical expertise and aviation experience will be highly valuable to your regulatory work at the Civil Aviation Authority.

You will be respected by others for your integrity, professionalism and aviation experience and be passionate about improving safety performance.

Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate the following:

• An ICAO recognised aviation document e.g. pilot licence (CPL or ATPL) or aircraft maintenance engineer licence (AMEL), or equivalent qualification and experience in an airline or aircraft maintenance organisation.
• Technical specialties in safety management, operations, maintenance or training.
• An advanced understanding of the New Zealand civil aviation and health and safety legislative frameworks, and an awareness of equivalent foreign requirements.
• Senior level experience in the civil aviation system, including experience in applying safety management systems.
• A well-developed ability to persuade and influence in a challenging environment, and communicate with clarity, tact and diplomacy.

About us

Our Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration – represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role. Please apply via our Careers site. We are unable to consider email applications.

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

For more information on the role 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: 1st Feb 2026