Team Lead National Marine Protection Programme

**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.**
- Lead a team working on significant marine protection initiatives.
- Permanent role, based in either Nelson, Hamilton or flexi location.
- $93,656 to $118,510 plus 3% kiwisaver employer contribution.

**Mo te turanga | About the role**

Are you passionate about protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's marine environment? Do you have the leadership skills and experience to guide a high-performing team working on nationally significant marine protection initiatives?

We're looking for a dynamic and experienced Team Leader to join our Marine Protection Programme team.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of marine conservation in Aotearoa, leading a team that create new marine protected areas, through statutory processes, including new marine reserves and marine mammal sanctuaries. The team also work closely with Treaty partners and their community to review the effectiveness of existing marine protected areas.

The current work programme includes 5 big-ticket projects that will span the next 2-3 financial years, but we are also looking to broaden our work programme and scope other opportunities to deliver marine protection across the country.

In this role you will:

- Lead and support a team of five specialists delivering key marine protection projects.
- Develop and implement strategic work programmes that align with DOC's vision and international commitments, including Te Mana o te Taiao and global biodiversity targets.
- Oversee delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder projects at a sea-scape scale.
- Provide expert advice to decision-makers and contribute to national policy and best practice.
- Foster strong relationships with iwi, hapu, whanau, and key stakeholders across government and the marine sector.
- Champion a culture of safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

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

We're looking for a skilled and passionate people leader to guide our Marine Protection Programme team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems through the establishment of new marine reserves, marine mammal sanctuaries, as well as the review of existing marine protected areas.

**To be considered for the role you will have**:

- Proven leadership experience, particularly in times of change, ideally within central government or a policy, planning, or environmental management context.
- A pragmatic and strategic mindset, with the ability to connect the dots across the marine system within DOC-knowing when to advocate, when to hold back, and how to read the political temperature.
- Communicates clearly and confidently, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse groups.
- Understands the marine protection landscape in Aotearoa, including relevant legislation, strategies, and international obligations.
- Can see the big picture while managing the detail-balancing delivery with strategic thinking.
- Is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in partnership with Maori in a meaningful way.

Click here for the position description.

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

The salary range for this position is **$93,656 to $118,510** with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

**Ra whakakapi | Applications close** at **11:59 pm at on Sunday 21 September**.

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.

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

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.