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.

• Lead the Charge for Predator Free 2050 - Make History for Nature
  
• Flexible work location.
  
• Salary $140,000 to $185,000
  

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.



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 a 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
  
• Work as an honourable treaty partner to promote Māori engagement and involvement with our work
  

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
  
• Thrive in high-profile, high-pressure environments
  
• Work in genuine partnership with Māori and act as an honourable treaty partner, including putting Treaty relationships at the forefront of how we work and growing our Treaty knowledge and Te Ao Māori capability
  

Desirable:

• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work
  
• Knowledge of government processes and conservation policy
  
• Experience in large-scale programme delivery and stakeholder engagement
  

Click here for the position description



For this role, we will consider candidates from 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?

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.



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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