Senior Predator Free Advisor

• Work alongside iwi, communities, and partners to protect native species and create a predator-free New Zealand
• Salary range $92,912 to $124,500 based on skills and experience
• Permanent, full-time position with a flexible work location

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.

He angitūtanga | About the role

Imagine an Aotearoa where native birds, bats, lizards, frogs, and plants thrive. Predator Free 2050 is working to make that vision real by eradicating four of our most damaging predators – rats, mustelids, feral cats, and possums. Introduced predators kill an estimated 25 million native birds each year, and New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of species at risk of extinction in the world.

As a Senior Predator Free Advisor, you will play a key role in implementing the Predator Free Strategy through collaboration and leadership. This role focuses on translating strategic intent into delivery, managing national portfolios, and supporting regional projects.

In this role you will:

• Implement the Predator Free 2050 Strategy at regional scale
• Lead and coordinate national Predator Free portfolios, initiatives, and projects
• Support and engage with regional Predator Free projects
• Build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, councils, NGOs, and community groups
• Coordinate communities of practice and cross-agency communication
• Share research, development, and innovation (RD&I) with stakeholders for wider implementation

Click here for the role description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand’s predator control context
• Ability to understand technical advice and communicate it clearly
• Proven experience delivering projects with multiple partners and stakeholders
• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in conservation
• Ability to work with ambiguity and manage complex projects
• Good understanding of DOC’s structure and systems

Desirable:

• Experience in relationship management and risk assessment
• Familiarity with Treaty partnership obligations and ability and willingness and receptive to expand te reo knowledge and tikanga in everyday work
• Work in genuine partnership with Māori and act as an honourable treaty partner

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

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 $92,912 to $124,500 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 katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday, 20 February 2026

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at abasova@doc.govt.nz