Senior SLM Advisor at Department of Conservation, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Be the trusted expert guiding DOC's most complex land decisions, protect conservation outcomes through smart, lawful and future-focused advice
  
  
• $80,054.00 - $108,700.00
  
  
• Permanent full time, flexible location - Dunedin, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch

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.



Mō te tūranga | About the role
Step into a senior advisory role at the intersection of legislation, land and real-world impact for conservation and communities.



As Senior Statutory Land Management (SLM) Advisor, you'll act as a trusted expert within DOC's Operations Group, providing high-quality, timely advice on complex land tenure and statutory matters. Working across DOC and with external partners, you'll apply and interpret legislation, process statutory consents, and contribute to the acquisition, protection and disposal of land.



You'll engage with operational teams, decision-makers, industry representatives, local government, and other stakeholders - building strong relationships and supporting a consistent, national approach to statutory land management. A key part of the role is mentoring and developing others, helping lift capability across the SLM function.

The position will be focussed on:

• Provide senior-level statutory land management advice, including leading complex work from inception to completion
  
• Deliver high-quality, timely advice to decision-makers and operational teams
  
• Support operational delivery and contribute to the development of policy, best practice and national consistency
  
• Coach, mentor and support staff to build capability across the SLM function
  
• Maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  

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:

• In-depth knowledge of statutory land management and land-related legislation (e.g. Cadastral Survey Act, Land Transfer Act, Public Works Act, and conservation legislation)
  
• Strong understanding of the natural resource policy environment, including local government
  
• Highly developed analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation
  
• Ability to communicate technical and policy information clearly and concisely
  
• Confidence building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders
  
• Coaching and mentoring capability
  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
  
• Resilience and effectiveness in a fast-paced, pressured environment
  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Land Regulatory Delivery Team sits within the Treaty Negotiations and Land Directorate and is one area responsible for managing and overseeing the stewardship of DOC's Crown land asset. Working with others, we ensure land use and regulatory compliance under several pieces of core legislation that DOC is responsible for.



He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.



Tonoa inaiānei | 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 during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $80,054.00 - $108,700.00 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.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 19 February 2026

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact David Griffin, dgriffin@doc.govt.nz

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