Wide range of jobs available in the public sector

The public sector is made up of a range of different governmental and local organisations, departments, agencies and Crown entities. People who work in this sector (public servants) carry out important work that is essential to the day-to-day operations of New Zealand – they include our teachers, nurses and policy analysts. The public sector is a rewarding area to work in and has many opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.

Over the next few months, we’ll bring you case studies and information on how you can make a difference to the lives of New Zealanders by working in the public sector.

Protecting, helping and caring for New Zealanders are important duties that public servants carry out every day. Many of these employees were essential workers during the COVID-19 lockdown, ensuring that the country still had access to necessary services. These jobs include:

• Army soldier
• Contact centre worker
• Health services manager
• Police officer
• Registered nurse

The workers developing, interpreting and reviewing the rules and regulations that influence how our country operates are an important part of the public sector. Their work covers a range of different areas in political, economic, social and cultural aspects of New Zealand life. Examples of these jobs are:

• Barrister
• Foreign policy officer
• Policy analyst
• Solicitor

Being able to collect, analyse, and interpret data correctly are skills needed throughout the public sector. Opportunities involve helping organisations achieve their business goals, predicting economic events, and assisting with important decision making. Jobs in these areas include:

• Data analyst
• Economist
• Market research analyst
• Statistician

The public sector needs employees who can strategically develop and implement ideas. Jobs needing these skills cover a range of different areas from building roads to creating websites. Examples of these jobs are:

• Business analyst
• Civil engineering technician/draughtsperson
• Project manager
• Software developer

Workers employed by local government authorities, such as city and regional councils, make up a significant portion of employees in the public sector. These workers may maintain public areas in jobs such as:

• Gardener
• Groundsperson
• Street/park cleaner

Communicating information and ideas to the general public are important roles within the public sector. People working in these jobs must ensure that New Zealanders receive accurate information in an accessible way. Examples of these jobs include:

• Communications professional
• Interpreter
• Marketing specialist
• Technical writer
• Translator

Check out the website where agencies within the public sector advertise their job vacancies.

• New Zealand Government Jobs Online website – public sector job vacancies

• Sign up to our e-newsletter for job hunting tips delivered straight to your inbox

Sources

• State Services Commission website, ‘What is the ‘public sector’?’, accessed July 2020, (www.ssc.govt.nz).