Water Services Strategy Lead

Shape the future of DOC's water services, lead the strategy that safeguards our natural heritage through resilient, sustainable and compliant water systems

$96,185.00 - $128,912.00
- Permanent full time, Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch location

**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa**

**The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.**

**Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.**

**Mo te turanga | About the role**

Help protect Aotearoa's most precious natural places by leading the strategy that keeps water flowing cleanly and sustainably across our conservation estate.

As Water Services Strategy Lead, you'll guide the strategic direction for how water is managed, treated, and sustained across our diverse national parks, visitor sites, and conservation assets. This is a role where your technical expertise meets purpose-connecting infrastructure strategy with environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.

You'll lead the development and delivery of DOC's Water Services Strategy, ensuring it integrates organisational priorities, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Working across functions, regions, and disciplines, you'll influence decisions at all levels-supporting sustainable investment, championing best practice in asset management, and helping DOC continue to care for the whenua, wai, and taiao.

The position will:

- Lead DOC's Water Services Strategy: Develop and maintain an integrated long-term strategy aligning organisational priorities, infrastructure planning, and financial management

- Drive Investment and Asset Management: Shape prudent and strategic approaches to planning, renewal, and investment for DOC's water infrastructure network, responsible for the water asset management plan.

- Provide Strategic Advice: Offer trusted, specialist guidance across DOC to enhance water services management and support innovation in design and delivery

- Champion Improvement Initiatives: Identify and lead opportunities to strengthen asset performance, risk management, and service delivery
Influence and Lead through Collaboration: Guide and inspire teams across DOC, setting direction and expectations while fostering a culture of shared learning and inclusion

**Click here for the Role Description**

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience**

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

- Proven ability to shape and implement long-term strategies that align with organisational goals

- Expertise in strategic asset and lifecycle management for infrastructure systems

- Strong understanding of water service frameworks, legislation, and regulatory compliance

- Skilled in financial planning, investment analysis, and capital budgeting

- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across diverse groups

- Experience leading multi-disciplinary and regional teams through influence rather than authority

- Industry-recognised asset management qualification (or equivalent experience)
Proficiency in asset management systems (e.g. SAP/EAM) and standard office tools

**Mo te tima | About the team**

The Asset Management Directorate (AMD) brings all of DOC's asset portfolios under one directorate. AMD delivers on Organisation Support's strategy to create a safe, compliant, and financially sustainable asset network that enables DOC Outcomes.

**He aha nga painga mou? | 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.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is **$96,185.00 - $128,912.00** 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.

**Ra whakakapi | Applications close** at **11:59 pm on Sunday, 14 December 2025**

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