Job Description
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
Join Te Papa Atawhai DOC to help us protect Aotearoa New Zealand's treasured conservation lands, waters and wildlife, and enable New Zealanders and international visitors to enjoy our special places.
As a Management Planner you will play a key role in running management processes, developing management plans and providing implementation and monitoring advice for the next phase of work at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. This is a complex programme that spans legislative change and implementation, stakeholder management and delivery, including introducing a new planning framework, access charging and a revised approach to concession management. The purpose of this role is to provide management planning expertise to deliver on the agreed objectives, outcomes and benefits of this meaningful programme of work.
This is a permanent position which can be based in either Wellington, or Invercargill (other locations in the southern South Island may be considered subject to space being available). You will work closely with a other planners and specialists in the programme group and across the Department.
The work will be diverse and include:
- Engaging with Ngāi Tahu and Piopiotahi Milford Sound stakeholders in a collaborative process to prepare new plans, and enable implementation as soon as possible after legislative changes that are expected in 2026. In particular, this is likely to involve contributing to a new Area Plan and the development of thinking around Amenities Areas
- Producing effective management planning documents within agreed timeframes that reflect community expectations / aspirations and meet statutory and policy expectations
- Working to a consistent national approach to management planning
- Monitoring the implementation of planning documents and providing input for improvements
- Contributing to the development of operational policy
- Collaborating with programme peers, including supporting a fellow Management Planner, to ensure a results-driven culture and the delivery of high-quality conservation outcomes
- Building and maintaining influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Treaty partners, ensuring DOC's views are heard and progressing complex policy thinking.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
To be successful in this role you will have a background in either: strategic planning and associated planning disciplines, policy, resource management or statutory processes; and a familiarity with the workings of central or local government will be key. In addition, we're keen to hear from candidates with the following skills and experience:
- A tertiary qualification in law, public policy or another relevant subject
- Experience in facilitating stakeholder planning for projects, derived from a breadth and depth of experience
- Proven experience building relationships and engaging others, as a trusted advisor
- Can anticipate and respond to changes in priorities, pressures and significant shifts in context, bringing people together to identify opportunities, manage risks and find solutions to problems
- Excellent writing and communication skills and able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including senior leaders
- Sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience in engaging with iwi, alongside a passion for Te Papa Atawhai's Kaupapa and understanding of Māori Tikanga
- Experience working within government and the public sector
- Reputation as a capable, can-do, well organised and trusted professional.
Mō te tīma | About the team
You will join our Piopiotahi Milford team, reporting to the Piopiotahi Milford Manager. This new team has been established to build on the Milford Opportunities Project's recommendations to ensure Piopiotahi continues to be a world-class natural heritage destination and a premier New Zealand visitor attraction. The team is part of the Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors Group. You will work closely with the Policy and Regulatory Services Group, who contribute to advice across Treaty policy matters, and significant economic and tourism policy initiatives and also partner with teams in the Strategic Communications and Engagement Group, who have specialists dedicated to the Milford Sound programme. You will also work closely with colleagues in Regional Operations in the Southern South Island.
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.
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. 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 $79,656 - $100,639 per annum 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 whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 24 August 2025.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact Clare Stringer, cstringer@doc.govt.nz.
Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1879206.