Fast Track Advisor

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is seeking a Fast Track Advisor to deliver expert analysis and clear advice on fast-track applications that affect conservation values across Aotearoa. The role is based in Wellington, with flexible location by agreement.

You will lead small to medium fast-track projects, coordinate inputs across DOC, analyse information and draft impact reports for decision-makers, and support regional staff on Fast Track Act matters.

Qualifications

• Experience providing clear, accurate and well-reasoned analysis and advice.
• Strong report writing skills; tailor messaging to varied audiences.
• Understanding regulatory, legislative or consenting processes.
• Ability to interpret policy and apply it practically.
• Experience managing small projects or coordinating workstreams.
• Excellent problem solving and navigating competing interests.
• Relationship management across teams and external stakeholders.
• Good organisational skills with deadlines.
• Willingness to learn Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Familiarity with Fast-track legislation or Official Information Act helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead and project manage small to medium-scale fast-track applications and workstreams.
• Coordinate inputs across DOC to support timely, consolidated organisational responses.
• Analyse information and drafting reports, including advice on conservation impacts for decision-makers.
• Provide advice and support to regional operations staff on Fast Track Act matters.
• Support larger or more complex applications as required.
• Contributing to OIA responses and other regulatory outputs.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Representing DOC in your area of responsibility and ensuring DOC’s position is clearly presented.
• Identifying risks, escalating issues early, and contributing to solutions.
• Supporting a collaborative team environment, including sharing knowledge and reviewing work.

Skills

Analysis & advice

Report writing

Regulatory understanding

Policy interpretation

Project coordination

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Time management

Tikanga & Te Tiriti

Fast-track familiarity

Job description

Contribute to nationally significant fast-track consenting decisions impacting conservation outcomes Work across DOC to provide trusted, evidence-based regulatory advice Wellington (or flexible location by agreement) Salary range: $80,695- $110,000 Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa. This role sits within DOC’s Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors Group as part of the Regulatory Systems Performance function. The team plays an important role in supporting effective delivery of fast-track consenting processes, providing high-quality advice on applications that impact conservation values across Aotearoa.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Fast Track Advisor, you will carry out specialist project assignments and provide clear, well-reasoned advice on fast-track applications. You’ll contribute to shaping DOC’s response to Fast-track applications, ensuring conservation priorities are well understood and effectively communicated.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading and project managing small to medium-scale fast-track applications and workstreams.
• Coordinating inputs across DOC to support timely, consolidated organisational responses.
• Analysing information and drafting reports, including advice on conservation impacts for decision-makers.
• Providing advice and support to regional operations staff on Fast Track Act matters.
• Supporting larger or more complex applications as required.
• Contributing to OIA responses and other regulatory outputs.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Representing DOC in your area of responsibility and ensuring DOC’s position is clearly presented.
• Identifying risks, escalating issues early, and contributing to solutions.
• Supporting a collaborative team environment, including sharing knowledge and reviewing work.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking a capable advisor who can provide strong analysis and clear advice while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience providing clear, accurate and well-reasoned analysis and advice.
• Sound report writing skills and ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Understanding of regulatory, legislative or consenting processes (conservation, fast-track, or similar).
• Ability to interpret policy and legislation and apply it in practical contexts.
• Experience managing small projects or coordinating workstreams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate competing interests or sensitive issues.
• Relationship management skills, with the ability to work across teams and with external stakeholders.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver work to deadlines.
• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work.
• Desirable: Familiarity with Fast-track legislation, conservation management systems, or the Official Information Act Knowledge of DOC’s structure and functions.

Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default. We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more? Tonoa inaiānei

We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted for interview.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $80,695- $110,000, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 20 September 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at [e-mail]

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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC