Programme Lead - Community

Department of Conservation (DOC); Christchurch; On-site; NZD 92,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in New Zealand seeks a Programme Lead to spearhead cross-functional projects aimed at protecting biodiversity. The successful candidate will manage large programmes, collaborate with various stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement. Ideal for those with a passion for conservation and proven experience in environmental management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex programmes, ideally in conservation or public sector.
• Strong relationship management skills with stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of large-scale programmes.
• Collaborate with teams and community stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, risks, and timelines with attention to detail.
• Drive continuous improvement in conservation outcomes.

Skills

Leading complex programmes

Technical knowledge of environmental management

Relationship management

Problem-solving abilities

Strategic mindset

Passion for conservation

Job description

Be part of a great organisation protecting and restoring nature. Permanent Role | Salary range: $92,912 - $117,570. Multiple opportunities across the motu – check out DOC Careers!

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.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Department of Conservation have recently made some big changes to help our people and operations work better together—so we can achieve the conservation outcomes we’re aiming for.

As part of this, we’ve introduced a new role: Programme Lead. This role will provide technical leadership for complex, cross-functional programmes across districts or regions, that contribute to protecting and restoring New Zealand’s unique biodiversity and natural heritage.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of large-scale programmes across districts and/or regions
• Collaborating with operational teams, iwi/hapū, community groups, and stakeholders to ensure programme success
• Managing budgets, risks, timelines, and reporting with a sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of accountability and integrity
• Driving continuous improvement and innovation in how we deliver conservation outcomes
• Be part of the District Leadership Team and contribute to decisions around resources and priorities
• Leading by example by building strong relationships and consistently acting with integrity in everything you do.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of the following skills and experience, we are keen to hear from you:

• Proven experience leading complex programmes or projects, ideally in conservation, operations, environmental management, or public sector delivery.
• Technical and/or specialist knowledge of programme subject matter
• Strong relationship management skills — you’re confident engaging with diverse stakeholders, including mana whenua and bringing them on the journey
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities — you thrive in dynamic environments.
• Both a strategic and delivery mindset with the ability to translate vision into action.
• A passion for conservation and a commitment to DOC’s kaupapa.

Our Values

At The Department of Conservation, everyone’s journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That’s why we believe your career should be more than a role… it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make.

Here, you’ll find more than a workplace. You’ll find a team united and guided by values that matter:

• Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable
• Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher
• Connection, because collaboration sparks progress
• Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact

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

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now. Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $92,912 - $117,570 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 19th October.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]