Operations Manager, Kawatiri/Buller, Operations Group

Job Specification

It's hard to imagine a more rewarding role than leading the Operations team in the Kawatiri District on the West Coast of Aotearoa. Overseeing the management of public conservation land, waters and native taonga the area we look after is between Kahurangi Point in the north down to the Barrytown Flats in the south.
There is a huge variety of amazing public conservation land with significant natural values including half of the Kahurangi National Park, the Paparoa National Park and nationally significant visitor sites of the Heaphy Track, Old Ghost Road and Punakaiki.
The role
Based in Westport, this is an important hub for DOC which comes with its own unique complexities and challenges. Your key focus will be leading the high performing Kawatiri team to deliver high quality conservation outcomes. There is a strong relationship management component, including working alongside our treaty partner collaboratively and effectively as well as iwi, community and local businesses.
The health and safety of staff and visitors to conservation sites is paramount, and this role is responsible for maintaining a strong safety-first environment, ensuring there is a positive safety culture and consistent safety practice across all work sites.
In this role you will also be responsible for providing specialist knowledge and support on local conservation activities to the Director and DOC nationally.
About you
You will have an outgoing personality, the maturity and confidence to interact with people from all walks of life, and the ability to switch between tasks effortlessly.
We are looking for an experienced people leader, skilled at inspiring, motivating and directing teams to shape a culture which values teamwork, continuous improvement, partnerships with iwi and working with the Buller community.
The ability to build strong collaborative relationships internally and externally is paramount to achieving goals and building on conservation efforts in the District. In many areas, iwi and community groups are leading conservation work. These relationships need to be fostered and supported by the Operations Manager.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory, including a valid work visa covering the whole period of employment if applying internationally.