Predator Free Manager at Department of Conservation, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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.

Are you ready to lead change that matters? Join the Department of Conservation (DOC) and play a pivotal role in protecting and restoring nature across Aotearoa.

As part of the Biodiversity National Programmes Directorate, you'll be leading delivery of one of New Zealand's most ambitious programmes of conservation work. The Directorate leads large-scale programmes that tackle the country's toughest challenges - from Predator Free 2050, to protecting 1.8 million hectares of conservation land through predator control, managing deer, tahr, and goat impacts, preparing for the world-class Maukahuka / Auckland Island pest eradication, and safeguarding kauri through our Kauri Protection Programme. We combine science, innovation, and partnerships with iwi, communities, councils, and NGOs to achieve results that matter for Aotearoa's biodiversity.


Predator Free 2050 is one of the most ambitious goals in our history - eradicating rats, stoats, feral cats, and possums to give native species a future. Introduced predators kill an estimated 25 million native birds each year, and New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of species at risk of extinction in the world. This national programme brings together iwi and hapū, NGOs, businesses, government, scientists, and communities under a shared strategy focused on:

• Innovating new tools and investing in science
• Protecting native species through predator control across millions of hectares
• Supporting and empowering people and communities
• Developing clear, evidence-based plans to unlock eradication

He angitūtanga | About the role
As Predator Free Manager, you will provide strategic vision and leadership and be the public face of the Predator Free programme. You'll drive collaboration across government, iwi, communities, NGOs, and funders, ensuring alignment and momentum toward achieving Predator Free 2050.

This role demands exceptional leadership, political acumen, and the ability to operate confidently in complex, high-profile environments. You will engage directly with Ministers, senior leaders, and key stakeholders to champion the vision and secure support for delivery - while ensuring strategy translates into real, on-the-ground conservation outcomes.

This is more than a leadership role - it's a chance to shape the future of Aotearoa's biodiversity.

In this role you will:

• Lead DOC's Predator Free team and provide national coordination across agencies and partners
• Build and maintain relationships with iwi, hapū, councils, NGOs, and community groups
• Support large-scale eradication projects and enable community-led initiatives
• Champion research, development, and innovation (RD&I) to create cost-effective, scalable solutions
• Communicate progress and priorities clearly to stakeholders and the public.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Lead at a national level and influence across complex systems
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively, including with Ministers and senior executives
• Understand predator control and biodiversity management, including operational delivery
• Work with iwi and Treaty Partners to advance collaborative approaches
• Thrive in high-profile, high-pressure environments

Desirable:

• Knowledge of government processes and conservation policy
• Experience in large-scale programme delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Click here for the position description.

Due to the nature of this role, we will consider various locations. Please indicate in your covering letter which location you would prefer to be based.

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 $140,000 to $185,00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 Monday 19 January 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Annie Colebrook at acolebrook@doc.govt.nz

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