Senior Technical Advisor

**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.

**He angitutanga | About the role**

Are you an experienced advisor passionate about reducing the impact of introduced pest animals on landscapes in Aotearoa?

We're seeking a knowledgeable professional to provide strategic and technical support for our work on the eradication and management of introduced pest animals in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors Group oversees DOC's science, technical, and operational policy expertise, translating policy into action to support our operational branches in delivering conservation initiatives and outcomes for nature.

This role focuses on systems improvement and implementation, providing expert technical advice to the wider biodiversity and regional operations groups, and developing and sharing best practice to maintain New Zealand's global leadership in this area of work.

Key responsibilities include:

- providing expert technical advice on island and mainland animal pest management approaches and processes to DOC business groups and external conservation partners
- contributing to the development of departmental priorities and strategy for animal pest management
- sharing international and national best practices and trends in animal pest management, particularly for the eradication of introduced species from islands
- leading the development and maintenance of the department's best practice operating procedures and delivering training for supporting successful animal pest management operations, including eradication efforts
- advising practitioners and decision-makers on animal pest management approaches, including control, eradication, containment, and exclusion
- collaborating with DOC Operations teams, the Terrestrial Biodiversity Unit, and other partners to drive impactful conservation initiatives
- contributing to research, tool development, and systems improvements in animal pest management
- participating in DOC's Island Eradication Advisory Group.

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

In this role your work will influence the management of some of Aotearoa's most special places, and you will have the chance to work with and share your knowledge with people across the country and around the world. You will be comfortable stepping into a meeting with senior leadership, and equally happy to have a cuppa on a local marae or with a local ranger on an island. This role is all about translating strategy into operations.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

- a graduate or postgraduate degree in ecology or a related discipline or considerable industry experience
- strong understanding of pest management principles (eradication, control, containment, exclusion)
- familiarity with project management methodologies and feasibility assessment
- knowledge of animal pest management best practice and tools
- strategic thinking and planning abilities
- an ability to build effective, collaborative relationships across teams
- be comfortable engaging and working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua
- effective communication and presentation skills and the ability to communicate well with people from all cultures and backgrounds
- an ability to coach and mentor others.

This is a rare opportunity to make a true difference for conservation in New Zealand. You would be joining a team of experts that provides strategic and technical support for landscape threat management priorities across New Zealand.

The role can be based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, or Invercargill. Other locations will be considered. Please specify in your covering letter where you would prefer to be based.

The position is office-based with opportunities for relevant field work. Travel throughout New Zealand will be required occasionally. A current full New Zealand driver licence is required.

**Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | 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.

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._

**Ra katinga | Applications close** at 11:59 pm on Monday, 3 February 2025.

**Taupanga | Job reference**: DOC/1838353