Senior Wild Animals Programme Advisor (Fixed Term)

• Are you a passionate (for spreadsheets) and experienced conservation professional looking to make a real impact in protecting wildlife and natural habitats
• Drive initiatives that create lasting change in conservation.
• Full-time fixed term role until the end of December 2026; flexible location

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa.

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao he oranga tangata.

He angitūtanga About the role

We have a unique opportunity to support the mahi in our Biodiversity National Programmes Unit and contribute to programme delivery targeting threats to conservation. The Biodiversity National Programmes Unit is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through specific programmes of work.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Wild Animals Programme Advisor to oversee and project manage the Wild Animals Management (WAM) Programme with a strong focus on running and coordinating systems and processes and supporting the programmes continuous this key role you will ensure the successful implementation of this initiative while providing expert guidance and support on Wild Animals Management issues as required.

The position will be focussed on:

• providing support to the Wild Animals Manager with programme and project management including drafting programme and project documentation
• managing programme and project reporting systems and compiling reports for the WAM Programme the B22 Ramping Up Deer Management and Goat Control Project and International Visitor Levy initiatives with wild animals component
• financial management and reporting supporting annual business planning and assisting team members to implement best practice in project management
• collating information and contributing to responses to Official Information Act requests and Ministerials and interagency projects and their governance oversight
• providing strategic support on Wild Animals Management issues
• working as an honourable treaty partner to promote Māori engagement and involvement with our work.

This is a full-time fixed term role until the end of December 2026 with a flexible location. This is primarily an office-based role with limited opportunities to spend time out in the field.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako Skills and experience

If you have some of following we are keen to hear from you:

• Extensive project and programme management experience or certification (PRINCE2 MSP)
• Experience in and knowledge of managing budgets and reporting with high degree of complexity
• Knowledge and experience of wild animals or conservation management gained through a degree qualification in biological or environmental science or equivalent experience is desired but not essential
• A sound knowledge of the legislation affecting DOC and government processes procedures and accountability requirements
• Excellent communicator verbally and in writing
• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work
• Work in genuine partnership with Māori and act as an honourable treaty partner.

Being a genuine Treaty partner means:

• Putting Treaty relationships first in the way we work
• Showing respect in every partnership
• Growing our Treaty knowledge and Te Ao Māori capability

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou Whats in it for you
At the heart of our success is our strong DOC culture built on clear values. Our integrity grounds us our connections take us further together we empower ourselves and others to do the best work so we achieve more for nature and New Zealand. DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate thrive and grow. Were working towards being an organisation that is diverse equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from mahi on the marae with your iwi or hapū through connections community or volunteer work or other roles. We value the wide range of skills strengths and knowledge that people bring no matter where they were gained.

Please note due to the high volume of applications we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $92912 to $117570 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 4 February 2026

Me he pātai anō For further enquiries contact Mike Perry Wild Animals Manager at