Data Scientist

About the Organization

WorkSafe New Zealand is the principal workplace health and safety regulator dedicated to ensuring that all workers return home healthy and safe. The organization operates according to core values emphasizing unity, meaningful engagement, and responsibility towards care.

Team Overview

Based within the newly formed Enterprise Planning and Implementation group, the Data, Analytics and AI team focuses on empowering data-driven decision-making by building and sustaining data assets essential for reporting, analytics, and driving organizational performance.

Role Summary

We seek a Data Scientist who will apply advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning techniques to address complex regulatory and organizational challenges. The role involves developing AI solutions such as risk-targeting tools that prioritize regulatory actions and AI agents that support operational tasks, working collaboratively with engineers, analysts, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, develop, and validate sophisticated analytical models and artificial intelligence tools.
• Utilize statistical, machine learning, and AI methodologies, including LLM-based techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation, agents, and structured data extraction.
• Design evaluation frameworks, involving test sets and human assessments, to assess model and AI output performance.
• Facilitate the deployment and operational monitoring of models and AI products.
• Collaborate closely with data engineers, analysts, and other experts to deliver comprehensive solutions.
• Communicate analytical insights clearly to non-technical decision-makers, outlining capabilities and limitations.

Candidate Profile and Skills

• Proven expertise in end-to-end data science projects encompassing problem identification, data preparation, modeling, validation, deployment, and maintenance.
• Strong proficiency in Python or R programming languages and solid SQL competence, alongside experience with essential data science and machine learning libraries.
• Experience or enthusiasm for LLM-based solutions such as retrieval-augmented generation, AI agents, or structured extraction.
• Ability to articulate complex technical concepts and uncertainties in understandable terms for non-expert audiences.
• A curious mindset and eagerness to adopt modern cloud technologies and MLOps within the Azure environment.
• Educational background in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or an equivalent field, or relevant practical experience.

Employment Details and Benefits

This is a fixed-term position available until 30 June 2027, with the option to be based at any WorkSafe office location. The salary range is NZD 103,059 to 135,004 annually, exclusive of employer KiwiSaver/SSRSS contributions, which increase to 3.5% from April 2026.

Benefits include:

• Five weeks of annual leave
• Fifteen days of sick leave
• Flexible working conditions
• A recognition framework celebrating employee contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive employee-led networks for diverse communities, including Rainbow, Pacific, Women’s, and Tū Rangatira Māori Networks

Additional Information

Applicants must have legal authorization to live and work in New Zealand. The recruitment process is managed in partnership with an external agency; early applications are encouraged as shortlisting will occur continuously. Preference will be given to existing employees affected by organizational restructuring.

WorkSafe commits to equal employment opportunities and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds.