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
Are you a policy guru with a passion for conservation? Join us to 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 Principal Policy Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in delivering policy advice for the next phase of work at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. This position is dedicated to supporting the Piopiotahi Milford team, and will contribute to a complex programme spanning legislative change and implementation, including cross-organisational work to support the development of new plans, access charging and a new approach to concession management.
The work will be diverse and include:
- Leading complex and sensitive policy projects requiring deep policy craft and technical expertise and leading-edge frameworks
- Leading engagement with delivery agencies, stakeholders and government agencies and landing advice and proposals in a clear and succinct manner
- Applying advanced system, strategic and critical thinking, clear and logical reasoning and sound judgement to analyse and advise on policy issue
- Shaping policy outcomes by providing high-quality advice to Ministers that aligns with DOC's mission and government goals, and recognises the choices and constraints Ministers face
- Identifying risks and opportunities to ensure the successful delivery of legislative change for the Milford programme and broader government goals in conservation and economic outcomes
- Guiding, mentoring and motivating programme peers, supporting a collaborative, 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
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:
- A tertiary qualification in law, public policy or another relevant subject
- Proven experience as a senior policy practitioner, able to analyse complex policy issues and navigate policy processes, solutions and development
- Proven ability to lead, empower, knowledge transfer and deliver quality results at all levels
- Experience working within government and the public sector, especially in areas related to the environment or tourism management
- Proven experience building relationships and engaging others, as a trusted advisor, in particular with Ministers, Treaty partners, and stakeholders
- 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
- Reputation as a capable, can-do, well organised and trusted professional
- Excellent writing and communication skills and able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including senior leaders.
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 also work closely with the Policy and Regulatory Services Group, who contribute to advice across Treaty policy matters, and significant economic and tourism policy initiatives. You will also partner with teams in the Strategic Communications and Engagement Group, who have specialists dedicated to the Milford Sound programme.
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 $108,617 - $137,645 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 Piopiotahi Milford Sound Manager, Clare Stringer, cstringer@doc.govt.nz.
Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1879205.