Fast Track Advisor

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Government's Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Fast Track Advisor to provide evidence-based regulatory advice on fast-track applications affecting conservation values across Aotearoa.

You will lead and coordinate small to medium-scale projects, analyse information and draft reports for decision-makers, and work with regional staff to ensure timely, well-justified responses. Flexible location by agreement.

Qualifications

• Experience providing clear, accurate analysis and advice.
• Strong report writing 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage small to medium fast-track applications and workstreams.
• Coordinate inputs across DOC to support timely, consolidated organisational responses.
• Analyse information and draft 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.
• Contribute to OIA responses and other regulatory outputs.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent DOC in your area of responsibility and ensure DOC’s position is clearly presented.
• Identify risks, escalate issues early, and contribute to solutions.
• Support a collaborative team environment, including sharing knowledge and reviewing work.

Skills

Analytical skills

Policy interpretation

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Regulatory knowledge

Time management

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

He aha āā ngāā 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.

Salary

• 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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 20 September 2026.

For further enquiries, please contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at [e-mail]