Deputy Director-General Policy 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.


Mō te tūranga | About the role
We are seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to join DOC's Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Director-General, Policy. This is a crucial role where you will lead DOC's conservation policy and legislative reform. This is your opportunity to shape the policy settings and systems in a high-performing public service agency.

You will;

• Drive high-impact policy and legislative change across the conservation system.
• Oversee in-house legal services and ensure DOC's legal frameworks support our mission.
• Represent DOC at cross-agency and international forums, influencing outcomes for biodiversity at home and abroad.
• Ensuring the effective operation of DOC's core land management functions (including statutory land management and reclassification).
• Lead DOC's Treaty settlement negotiations.
• Work closely with Ministers' offices to shape, support, and deliver on conservation priorities.
• Collaborate with peers across government and the global conservation community to share knowledge and drive collective impact.
• Lead and support your teams with clarity, purpose, and a commitment to excellence.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will be a connector and collaborator, building strong relationships across the public sector, with Treaty Partners, and within DOC.

We are looking for someone who has the following skills and experience;

• Proven experience leading senior teams in large, complex organisations, driving performance, and delivering results.
• Deep knowledge of policy development, law reform, and implementation, with the ability to navigate political environments and engage effectively with Ministers.
• Demonstrated success in organisational strategy, change leadership, and providing trusted advice on sensitive issues.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori, and experience building enduring relationships with iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations.
• Astute judgement, analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving in high-stakes contexts.
• Skilled in building trust, fostering collaboration across sectors, and influencing diverse stakeholders including Treaty Partners and international audiences.
• Experience in financial oversight and negotiation in complex, high-impact settings.
• Experience in the environment sector is beneficial but not required.
• Clear, sensitive communicator who inspires and engages across all levels.

Click here for the Role Description

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. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Our Values

At The Department of Conservation, everyone's journey is unique. This is a place where nature thrives because people do. Where your growth fuels our purpose. We are guided by values that matter:

• Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable.
• Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher.
• Connection, because collaboration sparks progress.
• Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact.

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, Department of Conservation. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The fixed package salary range for this role is between $276,250 - $357,500. Actual appointment will reflect relevant skills and experience.

You must have the right to work in New Zealand and be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 16 November 2025. Interviews are expected to take place in Wellington in early December.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Aleena Antony, Senior Recruitment Advisor at aantony@doc.govt.nz.