Regulatory Services Cadet Alcohol Licensing and Compliance

Are you looking to start or grow a career in local government regulatory services? This cadet role is a great opportunity to learn on the job, receive structured training and mentoring, and contribute to community safety, wellbeing and compliance across the Kaikōura District.

About the role

As our Regulatory Services Cadet – Alcohol Licensing and Compliance, you will support experienced officers across alcohol licensing, resource consent monitoring and bylaw enforcement. You will gain practical experience through supervised inspections, field work, report writing, customer interactions and interagency collaboration.

This is a development role designed to build capability over time. Progression will be based on demonstrated competence, completion of agreed training, and achievement of relevant delegations or warrants.

This role includes responsibilities that may need to be carried out outside of standard working hours, including evenings and weekends. The successful candidate will be expected to accommodate these requirements as part of the position.

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting with inspections of licensed premises and learning how to assess compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, licence conditions and relevant regulations.
• Supporting alcohol licence application processes, including site visits, applicant discussions and draft reporting for review.
• Shadowing experienced officers during resource consent monitoring, bylaw enforcement, investigations and community education activities.
• Helping prepare accurate inspection notes, photographs, case files, compliance records and reports.
• Working with internal teams and external agencies, including Police, Health and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, to support harm-minimisation and community wellbeing initiatives.

About you

You do not need to be an experienced regulatory officer to apply. We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, sound judgement, strong communication skills and a genuine interest in learning how local government regulation supports safe, fair and well-functioning communities.

• Confident working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to stay calm and professional in challenging or conflict situations.
• Organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to learn legislation, regulatory processes and council systems.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• Ability to pass a Police check to obtain an Enforcement Officer warrant.

Experience in customer service, administration, hospitality, community work, public-facing roles, local government, investigations or working with detailed regulations would be an advantage but is not essential.

Why join us?

• Start or grow your career in local government regulatory services.
• Receive structured training, mentoring and supervised field experience.
• Work in a varied role where no two days are the same.
• Contribute to community safety, environmental protection and responsible alcohol management.
• Be part of a supportive council team focused on delivering an excellent customer experience.

About Kaikōura District Council

Kaikōura District Council serves a unique and highly valued district, supporting our community through quality local services, effective regulation and a commitment to protecting the places and people that make Kaikōura special. Our vision is One Team – delivering an excellent customer experience.

Apply now.

If you’re ready to bring your skills to a role with real purpose, we would love to hear from you, please send your cover letter and CV to: HR@kaikoura.govt.nz

Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen, resident or have a valid work permit.

Applications will be processed as they are received so we encourage you to apply early.  Applications will close on 29 July 2026, or sooner, should we find a suitable candidate earlier.

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