Science Advisor Marine

Would you thrive on the opportunity to lead scientific research that influences marine conservation in Aotearoa?
- Four weeks + three days annual leave per year, flexible working supported.
- Permanent, full-time role based in Wellington, location flexibility negotiable for right applicant.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

- protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
- managing threats and adverse impacts
- being a voice for conservation
- connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to champion domestic and international seabird research and conservation. The primary focus of this role is to improve the management of threats to flagship seabird species across their entire migratory range thus contributing to their improved conservation status.
Ideally, you'll be looking to take the next step in your career to broaden your seabird research background. This role incorporates on the ground management actions alongside assisting the international team in growing efforts to reduce fisheries bycatch and other threats to migratory seabirds at a global scale.
Seabirds are amongst the most threatened group of birds globally, particularly albatrosses and petrels. New Zealand is a global seabird hotspot, and ninety percent of them are in trouble (threatened or at risk of extinction).
Many of our threatened taonga seabirds are highly migratory and face imminent danger in waters beyond our jurisdiction, either in the high seas or in coastal waters or other range states. Addressing bycatch risks and other at-sea threats across the range of seabirds is vital to fully realise the conservation benefits from investment made domestically in breeding site and domestic fisheries management.
We are seeking an experienced Science Advisor to lead work on some of the more complex and challenging conservation issues facing Aotearoa. The role will include:

- planning and implementing species-focussed research, management actions, and recovery plans for flagship seabird species.
- partnering with iwi, hapu, whānau as well as with other government agencies and stakeholders to achieve greater conservation outcomes.
- Assisting the international team with growing international awareness, engagement, and action among fishing nations to reduce seabird bycatch in international waters, through a range of collaborative, partnership, and technical initiatives.
- supporting the wider marine conservation strategy, advocacy, and delivery, covering both domestic and international oceans issues and resource management.

This role may require occasional domestic and international travel.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
- Masters or PhD qualification in natural sciences.
- knowledge and experience relevant to the role and seabird conservation
- cultural capability and awareness - understands Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is able to engage with iwi, hapū and whānau
- previous experience working in partnership with iwi
- experience managing multiple research programmes, research investigations and science contracts, including planning, organising, budgeting, and meeting timelines
- knowledge of international marine conservation best practice
- strong written and verbal communication skills including confidence presenting to a variety of audiences including those from different cultures
- a passion for collaborating and working with other stakeholders to achieve greater conservation outcomes
- experience with stakeholder engagement and partnerships - including the ability to lead and influence negotiations
- a passion for conservation and willingness to advocate for conservation.

Desirable
- An understanding of tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori would be an advantage.

Mō te tīma | About the team
You'll join a passionate science and technical team focused on addressing bycatch and other threats to protected species and will work closely alongside key partners including our internal policy and international teams, whānau, hapū and iwi, government agencies and other international and domestic stakeholders working together to support the delivery of the Government's national and international conservation obligations.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?
Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to