Alcohol Licensing Officer

We’re looking for an experienced regulatory professional who combines sound judgement with a practical, education-first approach.

Shaping our future | Kōmiria tēnei te anamata

Nelson City Council is undertaking one of the most significant local government transformations in New Zealand. Through Shaping Our Future, we’re organising ourselves around the people and communities we serve, getting clearer about who does what, and investing in the capability we need for the years ahead. That includes customer experience, data and digital, asset planning, economic development, and contract and programme delivery, to name just a few. We’re also working more closely with iwi, neighbouring councils and other partners to deliver better outcomes for Whakatū Nelson. Our new structure is in place, and we’re now recruiting for the roles that will bring it to life. 

This isn’t a one-off change. It’s the foundation for a council that keeps improving, and we’d love you to help build it. 

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected – we care for each other and our environment.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

This is an exciting opportunity to promote the safe and responsible sale and supply of alcohol through a customer-focused, education-first approach. As an authorised Alcohol Licensing Officer, warranted under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, you’ll help applicants and licence holders understand and meet their obligations, while supporting voluntary compliance and applying proportionate regulatory responses when required.

You will:

• Assess alcohol licence applications, renewals, variations and special licences, preparing recommendations and statutory reports
• Undertake inspections, audits and monitoring activities to assess compliance with licence conditions and alcohol legislation
• Provide clear, practical information to applicants and licence holders about licensing requirements and processes
• Build effective relationships with licence holders, the community, NZ Police, Health New Zealand, the District Licensing Committee and other regulatory partners
• Investigate complaints and alleged breaches, gather evidence and support enforcement action, hearings and prosecutions where required
• Contribute to improvements in alcohol licensing processes, customer experience and regulatory service delivery.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You’ll be a confident regulatory professional who can interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures in a practical and consistent way. You’ll be passionate about promoting voluntary compliance through education and engagement, while recognising when enforcement action is necessary. You’ll bring strong customer service skills, sound judgement and the ability to build constructive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.

You will have:

• A relevant qualification in regulatory compliance
• Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations, standards, Council bylaws and policies relating to alcohol, including the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
• Demonstrated experience applying an education-first approach to regulatory compliance work
• Experience in customer-facing roles, preferably within a regulatory, compliance or public sector environment
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures practically and consistently
• Good judgement when applying and enforcing relevant regulations, bylaws and policies
• Clear, professional communication skills and a collaborative approach.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

• Wellbeing leave, platforms and initiatives
• A fully subsidised health insurance scheme
• A flexible workplace including hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Generous leave provisions
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community's wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Monday 26 October 2026

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

For questions relating to the role, please email nccvacancy@ncc.govt.nz