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• Shape the future of Aotearoa’s biodiversity – lead strategic investment decisions that protect nature for generations Salary $140,000 to $185,000 Full time/ Permanent role. Wellington, other locations will be considered. 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. DOC is entering an exciting phase as we deliver new national biodiversity mandates, including the NZ Biodiversity Strategy, our new biodiversity investment and prioritisation system (BioInvest). He angitūtanga | About the role This is a strategic leadership role at the centre of DOC’s biodiversity investment and prioritisation approaches. You will lead development of the national Biodiversity Portfolio and serve as the custodian of our biodiversity prioritisation system (BioInvest: (biodiversity investment approach). You will bring clarity to complex decisions, ensuring DOC invests in the right species and places based on evidence, legislation, and organisational priorities. A key part of the role is supporting senior leaders, regional directors, and teams across the organisation to make joined-up, transparent decisions about biodiversity priorities. In this role, you will: Lead DOC’s Biodiversity Portfolio and investment system (through BioInvest). Build strong relationships with Treaty partners, councils and other partners to align national biodiversity priorities. Work as an honourable Treaty partner, ensuring Māori engagement and perspectives are embedded in how we work. Provide clear, strategic integrated biodiversity and species advice to senior leaders and Ministers. Support planning across groups, including five-year investment planning, annual planning, and reporting. Guide trade-off and prioritisation discussions across the system. Make data and investment information easy for teams to access and use. This position will see you lead a team of experienced professionals. You’ll need strong EQ, natural leadership ability, and the confidence to bring stability and direction in times of ambiguity—supporting senior leaders while holding firm to the investment framework. Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience We are looking for someone who brings: Strong leadership skills and the ability to work across complex systems. Political nous and ability to think and lead strategically Knowledge or significant interest in biodiversity and conservation Experience developing and delivering programmes or portfolios. Clear and confident written and verbal communication. Sound knowledge of Aotearoa’s ecology and ecological principles. Knowledge of the machinery of government and DOC’s role. A relevant tertiary qualification (postgraduate preferred). The ability to build genuine partnerships with Māori. Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and how these apply to DOC’s work. 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. Desirable: Experience in strategic planning and prioritisation. Ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities. Familiarity with Treaty partnership obligations and willingness to use te reo and tikanga in everyday work. Click here for the job 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. 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 $185,000 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 katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 19 January 2026. Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Tim Bamford at tbamford@doc.govt.nz Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. 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