Technical Advisor at Department of Conservation, Nelson - Marlborough

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Provide biosecurity advice to achieve conservation outcomes
• Develop, participate in and lead effective biosecurity systems, processes, and tools
• Permanent, full-time role with flexible location

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

He angitūtanga | About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Advisor to join a team of advisors that deliver work on pathogens, plants and animals that threaten our biodiversity and ecosystems.

You will work in a critical part of the New Zealand Biosecurity System that deals with new and imminent biological threats that have breached or could breach our international border.

You will be seen as a subject matter expert by your peers and will enjoy working with a wide range of DOC staff, as well as representing DOC in meetings and projects with other agencies including MPI, the EPA, Health NZ, and territorial authorities.

The position will be focussed on:

• Representing the department in external working groups, forums, and regular engagements with key partner agencies
• Carrying out essential roles in the management of a broad range of pre and post border threats
• Assessing and imbedding these threats in DOC's investment planning
• Working as an honourable treaty partner to promote Māori engagement and involvement with our work.

This is a permanent, full time role ideally based in the South Island (Nelson, Christchurch, Invercargill), but other locations will be considered for the right candidate.

Click here for the role description


Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
This is a great opportunity for someone with a background in pest management who is looking to move into a more strategic role as a next step in their career.

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

• Experience and understanding of border biosecurity (planning, systems and response management) and the importance of this for our biodiversity
• Good understanding of relevant legislation such as the Biosecurity Act 1993 and HSNO Act 1996
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and reviewing scientific documents
• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualifications of relevance to biosecurity or a tertiary qualification with equivalent experience
• Familiarity with the NZ biosecurity system and how new to New Zealand threats are managed within it
• Experience planning, leading, and managing cross-functional projects, meeting timeframes and budgets
• Current, full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Experience working in partnership with iwi and understanding of tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori

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 $80,054 to $101,142 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 Friday, 1 May 2026
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at abasova@doc.govt.nz