Technical Advisor Freshwater, Biodiversity System

**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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.
DOC's freshwater programmes aim to restore the biodiversity of New Zealand's rivers, lakes, and wetlands using a holistic catchment approach from mountains to sea. Since the inception of the Ngā Awa river and Nga Riha Wai Māori restoration programme in 2019, DOC has partnered with local councils, iwi, hapū, and whānau to promote healthy, thriving freshwater ecosystems.
He angitūtanga | About the role
We have two opportunities for Technical Advisor - Freshwater to join our team of technical and scientific specialists. These roles involve addressing complex conservation issues in Aotearoa, New Zealand, focusing on the protection and recovery of aquatic species and ecosystems. The overarching focus of the roles is to lead, engage and influence on the protection and recovery of aquatic species and ecosystems across freshwater domains.
Your work will tackle significant issues such as freshwater biosecurity and pest management in the Ngā Riha Wai Māori Programme Ngā Riha Wai Māori freshwater pests project: Freshwater restoration (doc.govt.nz) or river catchment restoration in Northland as part of the Ngā Awa River Restoration programme Ngā Awa river restoration programme: Our work (doc.govt.nz). As part of a national team, you will provide freshwater advice and support across the Department, working closely with rangers, RMA planners, and others. You will also engage with the wider sector stakeholder network and research providers to support our work programmes.These positions require extensive engagement with councils, iwi, hapū, whānau, and other central and local government agencies and stakeholders to achieve greater conservation outcomes.
**The Ngā Awa programme (Whangārei) position will focus on**:

- Providing technical advice and support to operation rangers delivering catchment restoration in partnership with others, including iwi
- Sharing and developing knowledge/experience of catchment management
- Ability to work in partnership with local iwi, councils, communities
- Support delivery of Ngā Awa programme nationally.

The Ngā Riha Wai Māori programme (Hamilton) position will focus on:

- Providing technical advice and support to operations rangers delivering freshwater pest management
- Sharing and developing knowledge/experience with pest fish eradication, control and surveillance
- Working with local iwi, Biosecurity NZ, local councils
- Knowledge of biosecurity legislations and freshwater fisheries regulations desirable.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Provide expert technical and scientific advice on freshwater ecology, restoration, and pest management.
- Support operations and local communities in delivering freshwater initiatives, particularly in catchment management and habitat restoration.
- Collaborate closely with iwi, hapū, whānau, regional councils, community groups, and other agencies.
- Develop and produce clear technical outputs and advice on statutory processes.
- Support the delivery of national biosecurity programs and share knowledge of freshwater pest management.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
To be considered for these roles, you should have a strong background in freshwater ecology and catchment management, with extensive knowledge of freshwater species and ecosystem processes. Hands-on experience with freshwater surveys, monitoring, and pest management, and collaboration with iwi, local councils, and communities is essential.
**Experience required**:

- Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience (3-5 years) in freshwater ecology, restoration, and management.
- Strong background in catchment restoration and freshwater pest management, including pest fish eradication, control, and surveillance.
- Working knowledge of the Resource Management Act (RMA), Conservation Act, and Freshwater Fisheries Regulations, as well as relevant biosecurity legislation.
- Proven experience in conducting freshwater surveys and monitoring methods.
- Familiarity with central and local government structures and processes.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with iwi and tāngata whenua, local councils, and central government agencies.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce technical documents and provide technical advice to operations rangers for effective freshwater pest management.
- Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.
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