Principal Advisor- Science and Technical (Monitoring & Insights)

• Lead DOCs monitoring science and evidence base for reporting on conservation outcomes

• Senior science leadership role with system-wide influence across DOC and the science sector

• Hamilton/ Christchurch/ Wellington/ Flexible work locations considered.

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) works 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

The Monitoring and Insights Unit provides the scientific evidence that underpins DOCs understanding of conservation outcomes. The work spans biodiversity ecosystems and ecosystem services supporting reporting strategic decision-making and system-wide learning.

The Principal Advisor- Science and Technical (Monitoring & Insights) is a critical senior leadership role within this unit. The role provides authoritative science leadership across DOCs monitoring system and is a key interface with the wider science sector.

The role will see you lead the science research and design of monitoring and insights work programmes that provide the evidential basis for reporting on conservation outcomes. This opportunity gives you scope to shape monitoring frameworks and systems influence strategic direction and ensure DOCs advice is scientifically robust credible and fit for complex conservation challenges.

In this role you will:

• Provide scientific leadership on biodiversity and ecosystem services monitoring frameworks including indicator selection statepressureresponse models and outcomefocused assessment architectures

• Set the strategic direction for DOCs monitoring science system ensuring coherence across indicators sampling design data standards analytics and reporting pathways

• Deliver authoritative evidencebased advice to senior DOC leadership and the Minister translating complex monitoring outputs uncertainty and tradeoffs into decisionrelevant insights

• Lead applied research programmes to improve monitoring effectiveness efficiency and scalability including integration of emerging technologies remote sensing modelling and advanced analytics

• Oversee the design delivery synthesis and publication of monitoring and research outputs ensuring scientific rigour reproducibility and relevance at national and international scales

• Build system capability by mentoring science and technical advisors and by working as an honourable Treaty partner to embed Māori engagement and Mātauranga Māori within monitoring indicators models and system design.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako Skills and experience

This role requires a senior science leader with depth credibility and strong systemlevel thinking.

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

• Advanced expertise in biodiversity ecosystem services conservation biology or a closely related scientific discipline

• Proven experience leading applied science or research programmes in complex organisational environments

• Strong understanding of monitoring frameworks systems design and evidencebased reporting for conservation outcomes

• Demonstrated ability to provide clear authoritative advice to senior decisionmakers including in politically sensitive contexts

• Experience engaging with the science sector including universities Crown Research Institutes and independent science providers

• A track record of mentoring and developing science and technical staff to lift systemwide capability

• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how these apply to conservation science

Click here for the position description.

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 outlining your relevant experience and your interest in this senior science leadership role at Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from professional practice research community or iwibased work or other pathways. We value the breadth of skills and knowledge people bring.

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

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

The salary range for this position is $123000 $162500 with the starting salary based on 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 Friday 8 May 2026.
Me he pātai anō For further enquiries contact Karl Beckert at