Strategic Projects Lead at Department of Conservation, West Coast

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Help Protect a World-Class Landscape - From the Mountains to the Sea
• Location: Franz Josef/ Full-time, Permanent position.
• Salary $92,912 to $124,500 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

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.

Predator Free South Westland (PFSW) is a pioneering, landscape-scale project to permanently eliminate possums, rats, and stoats across 114,000 hectares of Te Wāhipounamu. Spanning from the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) to the Tasman Sea (Te Tai o Rēhua), this is a cornerstone of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy and a global blueprint for mainland predator elimination.

PFSW is more than a project; it is proof that predator elimination at scale is possible. By joining us, you aren't just managing a programme-you are locking in biodiversity gains (more birdsong, more taonga species) for Te Wāhipounamu and helping create the blueprint for a Predator Free Aotearoa.

He angitūtanga | About the role

We're seeking a hands-on project lead to coordinate DOC's contribution to PFSW and help deliver the next phases alongside ZIP. You'll be part of the local Franz Josef team to drive on-the-ground delivery, while maintaining a national line of sight to ensure alignment with the Tomorrow Accord and the Predator Free 2050 strategy. Working closely with community, iwi/hapū partners, landowners, and stakeholders - and you'll connect efforts across place, region and national groups to keep delivery smooth and a "no surprises" approach.

Embedded locally, accountable nationally: Day-to-day delivery working primarily to the Local Operations Manager (Franz Josef); formal performance and governance reporting nationally to the Biodiversity National Programmes Directorate.

Your key focus areas will include:

• Leading DOC's operational contribution alongside ZIP; managing permissions, logistics, budgets, and monitoring to ensure "no surprises" delivery.
• Building and sustaining trusted relationships with Treaty Partners, iwi, hapū, landowners, and the local community to create a shared vision for a predator-free future.
• Translating complex science into practical action-from overseeing AI camera detection networks and bait station systems to coordinating expert technical advisory functions.
• Reporting on performance and governance to the Biodiversity National Programmes Directorate, ensuring local wins contribute to national biodiversity goals.
• Capturing data-driven insights and "local wins" to inspire the community, attract investment, and share lessons across the wider organisation.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for a pragmatic, results-driven leader who is as comfortable in a backcountry hut as they are in a high-level governance meeting.

To be successful in this role you'll need to bring a mix of sharp thinking, collaboration, and practical leadership. In short, you will:

• Think critically, test fast, decide decisively - Frame decisions clearly, run small tests, learn quickly, and act with confidence.
• Collaborate deeply with ZIP and DOC experts - Work shoulder-to-shoulder with specialists and turn advice into action on the ground.
• Persuade and align iwi/hapū, landowners, and stakeholders - Communicate clearly, build trust, and keep everyone informed with a "no surprises" approach.
• Innovate safely - Balance speed and ambition with safety, permissions, and reputation. Know when to trial, scale, or stop.
• Be technically fluent and field-ready - Understand detection and maintenance tools and lead confidently in remote back-country operations.

Why this matters: Phase II (Defence) depends on fast, evidence-based decisions and strong collaboration to prevent reinvasion and reduce long-term reliance on aerial bait treatments.

In addition:

• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work.
• Experience of working in genuine partnership with Māori and act 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

Click here for the position description.

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. We support flexible work options, including some remote working.

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 $92,912 to $124,500 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 23 January 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Brent Beaven at bbeaven@doc.govt.nz

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