Project Coordinator at Department of Conservation, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Bring your project / programme coordination skills to this exciting opportunity that contributes to conservation outcomes
• Join a supportive workplace with excellent team culture and rewarding vision
• Permanent, full-time role based in Wellington

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 an exciting opportunity for a Project Coordinator to join our Heritage & Visitors team to help deliver mahi that makes a real difference - restoring te taiao, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting Treaty partnerships.

You'll be working on two high profile and interlinked delivery programmes. Sustainable Destinations - Milford Sound Piopiotahi supports a new approach to tourism at one of Aotearoa's iconic places, ensuring we protect this highly visited taonga. The International Visitor Access Charging implementation programme is investigating charging international visitors at Piopiotahi Milford Sound, Aoraki, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and Mautohe Cathedral Cove starting in summer 2027/2028.

In this fast-paced environment, you'll be working across both programmes supporting managers and the wider teams as you help organise and keep work on track.

The position will be focussed on:

• Coordinating governance and operational planning including meetings, actions, change control, decision records, procurement, recruitment, and budgeting activities
• Supporting Programme Managers to deliver to agreed time, cost and quality expectations and monitor progress, track milestones, and support risk management
• Managing key administrative tasks including scheduling, travel, reporting (programme management and other), and event coordination
• Preparing and maintaining key programme documentation including schedules, resource plans, budgets, risk registers and reports
• Financial monitoring and forecasting
• Supporting cross-functional collaboration to ensure project deliverables are achieved
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with Treaty Partners, stakeholders, and internal teams
• Working as an honourable treaty partner to promote Māori engagement and involvement with our work.

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Wellington. Other locations may be considered for the right candidate.

Click here for the Role Description


Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys learning new things, and is highly organised.

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

• Proven experience in project and programme coordination
• Strong organisational and time management skills across multiple projects
• Knowledge and high proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, governance and reporting
• Experience with financial tracking and procurement support
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to integrate Te Reo and Tikanga Māori into everyday work
• Working in genuine partnership with Māori and acting 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 | What's 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. 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. 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 $68,878 to $87,265 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 Sunday, 29 March 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 | For further enquiries, contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at abasova@doc.govt.nz