Policy Advisor & Senior Policy Advisor (Multiple Opportunities)at Department of Conservation82,440 - 128,271

apartmentDepartment of Conservation placeWellington calendar_month 
Key selling points:Join DOC to apply and develop your policy skills, provide strategic advice and contribute to major legislative reforms$82,440.00
  • $110,290.00 or $95,706.00
  • $128,271.00Fixed Term and Permanent Opportunities, Wellington location Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaThe Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa.

When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitūtanga | About the roleTe Papa Atawhai DOC has several opportunities for Policy Advisor & Senior Policy Advisors to shape and influence transformational change in Aotearoa's conservation sector.You'll play a pivotal role in developing robust and strategic policy advice for senior leaders and the Minister.

You will also have opportunities to represent Te Papa Atawhai through public engagement and cross-agency work relevant to your role.
This is an opportunity to be involved in major legislative reforms, which could include work to review or amend the Conservation Act 1987, the Wildlife Act 1953, and the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989.We have the below vacancies available:Policy Advisor (Marine Policy Team)
  • fixed term opportunity till 30 June 2027Policy Advisor (Biodiversity Systems Policy Team)
  • Permanent Full TimeSenior Policy Advisor (Hunting Fishing and Economic Development Policy Team)
  • Permanent Full TimeThe positions will be focussed on:Leading analytical work (independently and as part of the wider team to identify, develop and assess policy options)Providing high-quality advice for senior leaders, Ministers and Cabinet.Influencing and supporting legislative change that meets the needs of our Ministers, Treaty partners, and senior leadersIn additional to the above, Senior Policy Advisors also:Play a leadership role within the team, coaching and supporting policy advisors across the wider team.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceWe are looking for motivated and passionate people with a genuine interest in environmental or conservation policy.
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:Strong policy analysis skills, ideally including experience with legislative processesStrong critical thinking capability
  • adept at identifying critical issues and risks when undertaking policy analysis, and providing pragmatic solutions to problems Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, internally and externallyStrong written and oral communication skills, getting complex messages across clearly and concisely to a range of audiencesWell-developed stakeholder management skills, potentially including involvement in public consultation processesAbility to plan effectively, working at pace to respond to short-term requirements while also managing long term deliverablesExperience working in the environment sector and on conservation issuesCultural awareness
  • understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi including the willingness to engage in Te Ao Māori concepts and/or understanding tikanga Māori.

In additional to the above, Senior Policy Advisors will also have:Proven ability to mentor and manaaki other colleagues in their workAbility to navigate complex relationships and different perspectives to deliver well-grounded policy advice.

Mō te tīma | About the teamThe Policy Directorate provides the strategic direction and thought leadership for DOC and for the conservation system.
The Directorate ensures DOC has the right frameworks and settings in place to deliver on our outcomes for conservation, to meet Government priorities, and to be an honourable Treaty partner.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.

Tono ināianei | Apply nowIf you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

If you are interested in a particular role, please advise.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.The salary range for these positions areAdvisor: $82,440.00
  • $110,290.00Senior Policy Advisor: $95,706.00
  • $128,271.00The starting salary of the successful applicant is 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.
Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 17th August 2025Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leyoung@doc.govt.nzTaupānga | Job reference: DOC/1877250

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