Inform and lead DOC’s strategic direction for freshwater species conservation
Permanent, full-time. Wellington (other locations will be considered; flexible working options).
$109,160 to $143,000 (starting salary depends on skills and experience).
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.
Te Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation protects and restores Aotearoa’s nature—on land, in freshwater, and at sea—through science, mātauranga Māori, and strong partnerships.
We are looking for a strategic natural resources leader who will strengthen DOC’s freshwater direction and drive system‑level change across Aotearoa.
He angitūtanga | About the role
As Principal Science Advisor – Freshwater, you will help set DOC’s strategic direction for freshwater species and systems. Acting as the Manager’s 2IC, you will provide senior leadership to a team of technical experts, shaping long‑term thinking, and influencing how DOC and our partners invest in and protect wai māori.
You will work at the science–policy interface, connecting DOC to the natural resources and science system across central government, local government, iwi and hapū partners, researchers, and industry. Your ability to turn complex evidence into clear advice will guide senior leaders and Ministers and lead to practical actions that improve freshwater outcomes across Aotearoa.
This is a strategic leadership opportunity. You will use your strategic insight to lift team capability, guide investment, shape research priorities, and influence national freshwater policy and practice. Your work will ensure that mātauranga Māori, Treaty partnerships, and robust science inform decisions that protect and enhance our freshwater species and ecosystems.
In this role you will:
Set DOC’s strategic direction for freshwater species science and policy, including key priorities such as whitebait fishery reform.
Drive system‑wide research priorities that align with national biodiversity goals and emerging opportunities.
Embed mātauranga Māori in freshwater research design, delivery, and decision‑making.
Build strong Treaty partnerships and support iwi and tangata whenua leadership in freshwater management.
Collaborate with other principals, scientists and technical staff internally and externally to achieve outcomes for freshwater species
Provide clear, influential strategic advice to technical advisors, senior leaders, Ministers, and partners.
Mentor and develop staff to build a capable, future‑focused freshwater team.
Lead and shape research investment across agencies, universities, funders, and providers.
This role will suit a strategic thinker who is confident operating in complexity, influencing at senior levels, and translating science into decisions that create a systems shift in freshwater species management in Aotearoa.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for someone with:
A postgraduate qualification in a relevant biological, natural resources or environmental science.
Broad knowledge of freshwater species and fisheries, including the ability to guide the design and use of monitoring and assessment frameworks.
Experience working with iwi and tangata whenua and including mātauranga Māori in research or decision‑making.
Strong skills in research design, data interpretation, and programme oversight.
Proven experience mentoring others and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Experience influencing national research priorities and working with funders and providers.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical advice.
An understanding of, or willingness to grow capability in, Te Ao Māori, Māori tikanga, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Click here for the position description.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?
At the heart of our success is our strong DOC culture, built on clear values. Our integrity grounds us, our connections take us further together, we empower ourselves and others to do the best work, so we achieve more for nature and New Zealand. DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.
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 now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that show your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.
The salary range for this position is $109,160 to $143,000, with the starting salary based on your 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.
Rā katinga | Applications close: 11:59 pm, Monday 6 April 2026.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries: Emily Funnell at efunnell@doc.govt.nz