Operations Advisor | Kaitohu Whakahaere

DOC; Rotorua; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Rotorua is seeking an Operations Advisor to lead planning, reporting, and governance that support smart decision-making and successful delivery of district priorities.

You will report to the Operations Manager and collaborate with district leaders to oversee budgeting, plans, and insights for continuous improvement. Strong analysis, collaboration, and health & safety awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• Background in operating principles and processes to effectively plan and monitor work programmes.
• Ability to identify and articulate existing and potential risks and their broader impacts.
• Analytical mindset to generate meaningful insights that inform operational delivery.
• Tech-savvy and an early adopter of new systems and technologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced skills in Excel and other reporting tools.
• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and a focus on continuous improvement.
• An excellent collaborator and communicator, skilled at building strong relationships and engaging diverse perspectives.
• Solutions focussed and consistently act with integrity to deliver meaningful results.
• An understanding of workplace health and safety practices.
• Understands the Māori-Crown relationship in relation to DOC

Responsibilities

• Leading operational planning, performance reporting, business improvement, and governance processes.
• Reporting to the Operations Manager, coordinating planning and reporting with district leaders.
• Identifying risks and opportunities to support delivery of district priorities.
• Turning data into actionable insights and fostering strong working relationships.
• Driving operational excellence and conservation outcomes across the district.

Skills

Operations planning

Performance reporting

Risk management

Data analysis

Excel (advanced)

Stakeholder engagement

Continuous improvement

Communication

Health & safety

Māori-Crown relation understanding

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Help shape the future of conservation in Rotorua. Influence decisions that make a lasting difference. Salary range: $80,695 to $101,951 based on skills and experience Permanent, fulltime position | based in Rotorua

Pivotal role where you'll help shape the way conservation outcomes are planned, delivered, monitored, and improved across the district. 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:

• leading the district’s operating environment, overseeing assurance, issue management, and spearheading business improvement initiatives to elevate performance and governance
• overseeing planning, reporting and budget management for the district creating the quarterly and annual business plans for the district producing reporting and insights to identify gaps and areas for improvement and efficiencies
• Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders across DOC to achieve desired outcomes

Skills and experience

• A background in operating principles and processes to effectively plan and monitor work programmes
• Ability to identify and articulate existing and potential risks and their broader impacts
• Analytical mindset to generate meaningful insights that inform operational delivery
• Tech-savvy and an early adopter of new systems and technologies
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced skills in Excel and other reporting tools
• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and a focus on continuous improvement
• An excellent collaborator and communicator, skilled at building strong relationships, engaging productively with a wide range of people, and thoughtfully considering diverse perspectives to drive effective outcomes
• Solutions focussed and consistently act with integrity to deliver meaningful results
• An understanding of workplace health and safety practices
• Understands the Māori-Crown relationship in relation to DOC

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.

Tonoa inaiānei

Salary: $80,695 to $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.

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

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

Applications close

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 17th September 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

For further enquiries, please contact Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor, at [e-mail]

Our vision

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga

Department

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.