Marine Reserves Programme Lead (Fixed Term) at Department of Conservation, Dunedin

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you driven to protect our marine ecosystems and passionate about creating lasting conservation solutions?
• The salary range for this position is $79,656 to $ 100,639- flexible working supported
• Full time, 24-month fixed term or secondment opportunity based in Ōtepoti/ Dunedin.

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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.

Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This exciting new role supporting an innovative partnership between Kāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnaka and DOC will lead on developing co-management arrangements with Kāi Tahu for new marine reserves in the southeast of the South Island. The core focus of this role is on fostering the collaborative partnership to co-manage the new marine reserves in the Coastal Otago District. This role is responsible driving the strategic work programme and provide high-level oversight, governance support and strategic leadership.   In this role, you will be pivotal in developing and executing work programmes and project plans, while fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, the public and other agencies such as Fisheries New Zealand.

This role will have Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will be adept at leading and delivering complex work programmes, working in partnership and  effectively communicating with stakeholders. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• knowledge and experience of marine protection legislation or policy and operations
• excellent collaboration and relationship management skills, with proven ability to manage board relationships and engage with diverse groups
• experience developing and monitoring work plans
• confidence and experience working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua, with an understanding of the Māori Crown relationship
• ability to provide valuable feedback, identify opportunities for improvement, and grasp the broader organisational context
• to provide valuable feedback, identify opportunities for improvement, and understand the bigger picture
• ability to confidently deal with ambiguity, using your initiative and autonomy to help shape the role and new work within the district
• a valid driver's licence
• familiarity with te reo and tikanga, or a willingness to develop this capability.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Coastal Otago District Operations team, led by the Operations Manager, consists of 27 core staff, expanding in summer. Based in Ōtepoti, we work across Heritage, Biodiversity, and Community projects, fostering a positive culture of teamwork. Our work involves partnering with Kāi Tahu papatipu rūnaka and collectively, engaging with the public and stakeholders.

You will work closely with the wider DOC Whānui supporting marine protection including technical and compliance experts supporting the establishment of the new marine reserves.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're 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. 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 $79,656 to $ 100,639 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

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

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.  

Interviews: We plan to interview candidates on Tuesday, 29 October and Wednesday, 30 October, if these dates are not suitable, please let us know in your cover letter.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 16 October 2024

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Marie Kealey, Recruitment Advisor at mkealey@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1822957