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 across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Science Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting the Department of Conservation's biodiversity goals through spatial analysis, scientific research, strategic advice and science communication. Embedded within the Monitoring Design and Services Team, the position focuses on ecosystem and species prioritisation, monitoring programme design, and outcome reporting. The role involves collaborating with internal teams, iwi, and external partners to deliver on the Department's monitoring goals, while contributing to national and international scientific discourse and ensuring alignment with DOC's values and Treaty obligations.

Key accountabilities:

• Provide expert scientific advice to support ecosystem and species prioritisation and conservation outcome reporting.
• Design and conduct applied research, including spatial analysis and ecological monitoring.
• Communicate scientific findings effectively to technical and non-technical audiences, including internal teams, senior leaders, government stakeholders, iwi, and the public.
• Collaborate with DOC teams, iwi partners, and external science providers to deliver conservation outcomes.
• Integrate Mātauranga Māori into research programmes and conservation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across government, research institutions, and communities.
• Scan national and international trends to inform DOC's conservation science and innovation.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture.
• Support DOC's Treaty obligations through proactive engagement with Treaty partners.
• Deliver work plans and projects on time, within budget, and aligned with DOC's strategic goals.

This role has a flexible location but is preferably Wellington based. All applications will be carefully considered.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• The Science Advisor position requires an expert practitioner in their field of applied scientific endeavour, to provide professional advice, technical guidance and research support. A proven track record in monitoring design and providing advice, with a positive attitude and commitment to delivery will be essential to your success. Alongside this we are seeking:

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in environmental science, conservation, ecology or equivalent.
• Proven ability to design and conduct scientific research, including monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong conceptual thinking and analytical skills, with expertise in statistical methods and ecological modelling.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining collaborative relationships across sectors.
• Experience working in partnership with iwi and integrating Mātauranga Māori into research.
• Familiarity with conservation science trends and innovation at national and international levels.
• Understanding of DOC's role in biodiversity and sustainability.
• Skilled in managing data and using tools for biodiversity prioritisation.
• Current full driver's licence required.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Monitoring and Insights Directorate focuses providing robust information to describe how DOC achieves its outcomes; to not only deliver conservation, but also to tell the story of what was achieved with supporting evidence.

Our key functions include research, planning, monitoring, analysis, reporting, infrastructure, frameworks, tools, processes, information management, and capability.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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 to $116,985 per annum with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 5 August 2025.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, Lyn Watson - lwatson@doc.govt.nz.

Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1873665.

Job details