Technical Advisor Freshwater, Biodiversity System and Aquatic at Department of Conservation, Hamilton 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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.
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.
Your work will tackle significant issues such as freshwater biosecurity and pest management. As part of a national team, you will provide freshwater advice and support across the Department, working closely with rangers, RMA planners, and others.
The Nga Awa programme (Whangarei) 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 Nga Awa programme nationally.
The Nga Riha Wai Maori 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.
Both roles are permanent and ideally based in Hamilton and Whangarei, though alternative North Island locations will be considered for the right candidate. Please specify your preferred location in your covering letter.
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, hapu, whanau, 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.
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 tangata 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.
Specialist knowledge in GIS and data analysis is desirable.
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 $79,656 to $116,985 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr