Senior Adviser

**Senior Adviser - Freshwater Pest Management**

**Role type**: Secondment or Fixed term until May 2026

**Location**: Wellington,

**General Salary Range D**: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience

**About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga**

We are seeking a Senior Adviser to help lead and coordinate our long-term freshwater invasive clam management programme, which aims to protect Aotearoa New Zealand from the impacts and further spread of the species. This collaborative programme involves working alongside a number of different stakeholders e.g. DOC, iwi, regional councils, Fish & Game, Earth Sciences New Zealand.

A key focus for the coming year is to contribute to the development and implementation of a refreshed programme strategy that responds to the recently established freshwater invasive clam. This includes coordinating national efforts to manage the invasive clam, ensuring the strategy reflects current risks and priorities.

The role will support the management of overall programme deliverables, contracts, budgets, reporting, partner relationships, and it supports the programme Steering Group. You will also work with Engagement Advisers to support the Check Clean Dry behaviour change campaign.

**Key responsibilities include**:

- Support the development of a refreshed strategy focused on the long-term management of the freshwater invasive clam, working with the freshwater Programme Lead.
- Understand current tools and infrastructure available to develop and deliver solutions that enhance domestic freshwater biosecurity
- Coordinate programme partners and support regional councils in operational planning.
- Support the Team Manager with analysis, reporting, advice, and collaborative delivery.
- Maintain effective relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders
- Support the Check Clean Dry behaviour change campaign

**About You - Mou**

You will be passionate about protecting Aotearoa's freshwater environment from pests and have experience in biosecurity, environmental or pest management. You will be comfortable with leading operational work while supporting and contributing to the strategic priorities of the programme.

**You will bring**:

- Project, programme or contract management experience
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills with systems thinking ability
- Ability to lead activities and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
- Excellent communication skills to translate technical issues clearly
- Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in freshwater science, biology, ecology, pest management, biosecurity or environmental management would be beneficial.

**About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu**

Our team sits within the Pest Management Programmes Group in the Pest Management Directorate, Biosecurity New Zealand. We lead programmes to tackle significant pest and disease challenges and work in partnership with organisations across New Zealand to reduce the spread and impact of established pests.

**About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua**

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki - guardianship of our natural resources.

**Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua**
- Additional MPI leave days
- Annual Wellness payment
- Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

**Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?**

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

In your cover letter, tell us about your values, motivations, and the strengths and perspectives you bring to this role.

**Applications close at 11:59 Sunday 26 October 2025**

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