Operations Advisor | Kaitohu Whakahaere

New Zealand Government; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Rotorua seeks an Operations Advisor to lead planning, reporting, and governance for district priorities. You will coordinate planning, identify risks and opportunities, and support delivery of conservation outcomes.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will translate data into actionable insights, drive improvements, and foster strong stakeholder relationships across DOC.

Qualifications

• Background in operating principles and processes to effectively plan and monitor work programmes.
• Ability to identify and articulate risks and their broader impacts.
• Analytical mindset to generate meaningful insights for operational delivery.
• Tech-savvy and quick to adopt new systems and technologies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced Excel and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Leading the district's operating environment, overseeing assurance, issue management, and business improvement initiatives.
• Overseeing planning, reporting and budget management for the district.
• Creating quarterly and annual business plans for the district.
• Producing reporting and insights to identify gaps and efficiencies.
• Collaborating with internal DOC stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

Skills

Operations planning

Performance reporting

Risk management

Data analysis

Excel advanced

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations

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, full-time position | based in Rotorua.

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.

Core responsibilities

• 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

Ngā puŋbeka me ēwa wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• 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

He aha ārā nuiŋtŋ | 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.

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.

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]