Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Combine you passion for people leadership, operations delivery, and conservation.
- Live, work and make your mark in one of New Zealand's most spectacular pieces of natural wilderness
- Permanent role, based in Aoraki/ Mount Cook, Salary range $92,450 - $116,985
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
Reporting to the Operations Manager, this newly created position will be a key member of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Leadership Team with key accountabilities for creating a high-performance culture across the district which values safety, continuous improvement, operational discipline, partnership and collaboration.
The position will be focussed on:
- manages all critical infrastructure services at Aoraki / Mount Cook, including drinking water, wastewater, roading, and waste management, all required to meet public health and concessionaire standards
- manages budgets, renewals, service agreements, and external contractor delivery
- management of a small team - supporting individual and team development, managing workload and embracing a positive team culture
- ensure DOC continues to be an honourable Treaty partner through partnering with local whānau, hapū and iwi
This role is based on site at Aoraki/ Mount Cook. Accommodation could be available if required.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- an experienced people leader who is skilled at inspiring, motivating, and directing teams who will shape a culture that values continuous improvement
- strong financial management and reporting skills
- strong local body infrastructure background – water, roading, waste management
- comfortable in operational field delivery
- project and contract management experience
- ability to manage organisational systems and processes
- ability to work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others.
Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.
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. 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. 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 $92,450 - $116,985 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.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on 24th August 2025. Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leyoung@doc.govt.nz
Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1877508