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.
Mo te turanga | About the role
Are you a programme manager with a passion for conservation? Join us to protect Aotearoa New Zealand's treasured conservation lands, waters and wildlife, and enable New Zealanders and international visitors to enjoy our special places.
As a Programme Manager, you will play a key role in delivering programme management for the next phase of work at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. This is a complex programme that spans legislative change and implementation, stakeholder management and delivery, including introducing a new planning framework, access charging and a revised approach to concessions management. The purpose of this role is to provide programme management expertise to structure and deliver on the agreed objectives, outcomes and benefits of this meaningful programme of work.
This is a fixed term/secondment until 1 February 2027 and can be based in Wellington, Queenstown, Invercargill or Te Anau (other locations in the southern South Island may be considered subject to space being available). You will work collaboratively with a range of specialists in the programme group and across the Department.
The work will be diverse and include:
- Supporting the Manager to develop and maintain the overarching strategy, priorities and business plans for the programme of work in response to the dynamic operating environment
- Leading and coordinating multiple projects and workstreams (safety/security, stakeholder liaison, internal engagement, iwi/hapu liaison, communications, community engagement, policy, infrastructure delivery, governance, partnerships, stakeholders and technical)
- Identifying cross-dependencies between projects and managing efficiencies of aligning them
- Identifying the capabilities and capacity needed, any resourcing gaps and ensuring the programme has the right resources
- Providing programme management expertise to manage projects and workstreams effectively and cohesively, and overseeing the delivery of the agreed deliverables and business benefits
- Ensuring strategic insights and intelligence are shared across the work programme, including delivering reporting.
- Identifying critical issues and risks and seeking to ensure they are effectively tasked and managed
- Guiding, mentoring and motivating programme peers, supporting a collaborative, results-driven culture and the delivery of high-quality conservation outcomes
- Building and maintaining influential relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Treaty partners, ensuring DOC's views are heard and progressing complex policy thinking.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:
- A professional qualification e.g. Managing Successful Programmes (Practitioner level)
- Experience as a programme manager in a large organisation delivering business benefits at a strategic level
- Skilled in using a range of project management approaches e.g. agile, waterfall and proficiency with MS tools including MS Project and Office 365
- Comprehensive understanding of DOC project management and programme management frameworks
- Sound systems thinking and business case development expertise
- Proven experience building relationships and engaging others, as a trusted advisor, in particular with Ministers, Treaty partners, and stakeholders
- Sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience in engaging with iwi, alongside a passion for Te Papa Atawhai's Kaupapa and understanding of Maori Tikanga
- Excellent writing and communication skills and able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including senior leaders and during negotiations
- Proven ability to lead, empower, knowledge transfer and deliver quality results at all levels
- Experience working within government and the public sector
- Reputation as a capable, can-do, well organised and trusted professional.
Mo te tima | About the team
You will join our Piopiotahi Milford team, reporting to the Piopiotahi Milford Manager. This new team has been established to build on the Milford Opportunities Project's recommendations to ensure Piopiotahi continues to be a world-class natural heritage destination and a premier New Zealand visitor attraction. The team is part of the Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors Group. You will work closely with the Policy and Regulatory Services Group, who contribute to advice across Treaty policy matters, and significant economic and tourism policy initiatives and also partner with teams in the Strategic Communications and Engagement Group, who have specialists dedicated to the Milford Sound programme. You will also work closely with colleagues in Regional Operations in the Southern South Island.
He aha nga painga mou? | 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 inaianei | 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 $108,617 - $137,645 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.
Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 24 August 2025.
Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, contact Clare Stringer, [email protected].
Te tohutoro turanga | Job reference: DOC/1879204.
