Operations Advisor | Kaitohu Whakahaere

New Zealand Government; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation in Motueka district seeks an Operations Advisor to lead operational planning, performance reporting, and governance processes that support decision-making and successful delivery of priorities. You will work with district leaders to coordinate planning, identify risks, and translate priorities into actionable work programmes.

You will build strong relationships with Treaty partners and stakeholders while driving data-driven insights to improve efficiency and

Qualifications

• Experience in operational planning, governance, and reporting in conservation or similar fields.
• Ability to translate operational priorities into work programmes and reporting frameworks.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities for district delivery.
• Experience with financial, asset, biodiversity, and recreation data reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide district-wide assurance that key operational processes, reporting obligations, governance requirements and risk management are applied and maintained.
• Oversee planning, reporting and budget management for the district.
• Collaborate with Principal Rangers to develop business plans and translate priorities into actionable work programmes.
• Create quarterly and annual district business plans and track performance.
• Produce reporting and insights to identify gaps and opportunities for efficiencies.
• Foster relationships with Treaty partners, iwi, community groups and internal stakeholders to support conservation outcomes.

Skills

Operational experience

Cross-program planning

Attention to detail

Data systems & reporting

Proactive & organised

Analytical mindset

Tech-savvy

Business planning translation

Relationship building

Māori-Crown relationships

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Drive continuous improvement initiatives and enable excellence* Permanent Role | $80,695 - $101,951* Motueka based: coastal living, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community.**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa** **Mō te tūranga | About the role** As the **Operations Advisor**, you'll lead operational planning, performance reporting, business improvement, and governance processes that support effective decision-making and the successful delivery of DOC's priorities. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you'll work closely with operational leaders to coordinate planning and reporting, identify risks and opportunities, and support the effective delivery of district priorities. By turning data into actionable insights and fostering strong working relationships, you'll help drive operational excellence and conservation outcomes. The position will be focussed on:* Providing district-wide assurance that key operational processes, reporting obligations, governance requirements and risk management practices are consistently applied and maintained.* overseeing planning, reporting and budget management for the district* Working alongside Principal Rangers to develop business plans and translate operational priorities into actionable work programmes.* creating the quarterly and annual business plans for the district* producing reporting and insights to identify gaps and areas for improvement and efficiencies* Building and maintaining strong relationships with Treaty partners, iwi, community groups and internal stakeholders to support the delivery of conservation outcomes across the district.**Click here for the Role Description** **Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience** If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:* Strong operational understanding, ideally gained in conservation, biosecurity, land management, field operations, infrastructure, or a similar operational environment.* Ability to work across diverse work programmes and understand how they contribute to district-wide priorities and outcomes.* High attention to detail, with the ability to maintain operational disciplines, governance requirements, and assurance processes.* Confidence working with complex systems and data sources, including financial, asset, biodiversity, and recreation reporting.* Proactive and organised, anticipating issues before they arise and following through to completion.* Analytical mindset, with the ability to generate meaningful insights that support effective operational decision-making.* Tech-savvy and confident adopting new systems, technologies, and ways of working.* Experience translating operational priorities into practical business plans, reporting frameworks, and deliverable work programmes.* Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including iwi, community groups, and operational teams.* An understanding of the Māori-Crown relationship and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as it relates to the work of DOC.**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 | Apply now** Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate. **Salary:** $80,695 - $101,951, 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 Wednesday 7th October. **Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries**, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]