Senior Improvement Advisor at Department of Conservation, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Strategic thinking | Collaboration | National projects
• Advance the development and implementation of our improvement initiatives
• Flexible location: Wellington or Rotorua preferred, other locations may be considered depending on candidate
• Permanent Full Time Role | $92,912 - $117,570

Deliver significant project and programmes of operational improvement and change across a large delivery group.


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
At Te Papa Atawhai | Department of Conservation, we work to ensure Papatūānuku thrives. Our purpose puts nature and people at the heart of everything we do, grounded in te ao Māori and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Reporting to the National Improvement Manager, we're looking for a Senior Improvement Advisor to join our National Operations team, where you will lead significant work that strengthens how conservation is planned for, supported and delivered across Aotearoa. You will often be working in complex, evolving spaces, where your ability to exercise sound judgement when the path forward is not immediately clear, provide balanced advice and build alignment across diverse viewpoints is essential.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading and delivering complex operational improvement initiatives informed by strong evidence and critical thinking
• Translating strategic priorities into practical, scalable solutions that support high quality conservation delivery
• Designing and implementing concepts, frameworks and processes that improve performance and manage risk
• Using strong conceptual thinking to shape clear operational approaches from complex or emerging ideas
• Applying structured thinking and design approaches to real operational challenges, ensuring solutions are fit for purpose
• Engaging thoughtfully with sensitive or challenging topics to build shared understanding
• Bringing an objective lens to emerging issues and helping to clarify pathways forward
• Building strong, trusted relationships across DOC, and with external stakeholders
  Working in partnership with whānau, hapū and iwi, embedding Treaty-based approaches into your work
• Contributing to a leader-led culture focused on continuous improvement and better outcomes

This is a senior role where your advice, insight and influence will directly shape how the delivery group operates now and into the future.


Click here for the Role Description


Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A curious, resilient mindset with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
• Strong experience and track record in delivering projects across operational improvement, business analysis, systems-focused or analytical roles
• The ability to turn complex evidence into clear, actionable advice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging at senior levels
• Experience working in complex, shifting environments, using sound judgement to navigate situations where the path forward is not immediately clear
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across diverse functions
• Sound understanding of conservation delivery
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and comfort engaging with Māori and iwi partners
• Experience within regulatory, operational or public sector environments is highly desirable.

Our Values
At The Department of Conservation, everyone's journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That's why we believe your career should be more than a role' it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make.

Here, you'll find more than a workplace. You'll find a team united and 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

This is a place where nature thrives because people do.


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. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Ideally, this role will be placed in Wellington or Rotorua. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

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.

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

The salary range for this position is $92,912 - $117,570 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 whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 15th February
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz