Project Lead, Treaty and Community

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Palmerston North; Hybrid; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) in Palmerston North, NZ, seeks an experienced relationship and project leader to unite iwi, hapū, councils, community groups and agencies. You will drive strategic projects, strengthen partnerships, support Treaty commitments, and help deliver regional conservation priorities from planning through delivery.

Success comes from building trusted relationships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and delivering outcomes across diverse

Qualifications

• Experience building and maintaining trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong project management or programme delivery experience, coordinating multiple workstreams and priorities.
• The ability to influence, collaborate, and achieve outcomes in complex environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working in partnership with communities, iwi, hapū, councils, or other external organisations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgement in ambiguous situations.
• Experience applying analytical thinking to interpret legislation and policy for sound decisions.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and willingness to build knowledge in this space.

Responsibilities

• Leading strategic and collaborative projects that deliver conservation and community outcomes.
• Building and maintaining trusted partnerships with iwi, hapū, councils, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting Treaty settlement obligations and partnership commitments across the district.
• Bringing diverse groups together to navigate complex issues and identify shared solutions.
• Providing advice on stakeholder engagement, Treaty relationships, and partnership approaches.
• Identifying opportunities, managing risks, and shaping priorities for conservation outcomes.
• Supporting teams to build confidence when working with Treaty partners and external stakeholders.
• Contributing to regional and national initiatives through effective collaboration and influence.

Skills

Relationship management

Stakeholder engagement

Project delivery

Partnership building

Communication skills

Policy understanding

Treaty knowledge

Driver licence

Job description

Lead strategic partnerships and projects for nature and communities Partner with iwi, communities and stakeholders to deliver outcomes

Salary range: $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experience Permanent Opportunity | based in Palmerston North, with flexible working options

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

About the role

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. We're looking for an experienced relationship and project leader to join our Manawatū Operations District team. This is a highly collaborative role where you'll bring people together to achieve shared outcomes. Working across iwi, hapū, local government, community organisations, and partner agencies, you'll lead strategic projects, strengthen partnerships, support Treaty commitments, and help deliver regional conservation priorities. Success in this role comes from building trusted relationships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and driving projects from planning through to delivery.

• Leading strategic and collaborative projects that deliver conservation and community outcomes.


• Building and maintaining trusted partnerships with iwi, hapū, councils, community groups, and other stakeholders.


• Supporting the implementation of Treaty settlement obligations and partnership commitments across the district.


• Bringing diverse groups together to navigate complex issues and identify shared solutions.


• Providing advice and guidance on stakeholder engagement, Treaty relationships, and partnership approaches.


• Identifying opportunities, managing risks, and helping shape priorities that strengthen conservation outcomes.


• Supporting teams to build confidence and capability when working with Treaty partners and external stakeholders.


• Contributing to regional and national initiatives through effective collaboration and influence.

Skills and experience

We're interested in people who bring experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, project delivery, or partnership-based work. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience building and maintaining trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.


• Strong project management or programme delivery experience, including coordinating multiple workstreams and priorities.


• The ability to influence, collaborate, and achieve outcomes in complex environments.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.


• Experience working in partnership with communities, iwi, hapū, councils, or other external organisations.


• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and an ability to navigate ambiguity and competing interests.


• Experience providing advice, guidance, or leadership to others.


• Experience applying analytical thinking to interpret legislation, statutory management frameworks, policy, and complex information to support sound decision-making.


• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a willingness to continue building your knowledge and capability in this space.


• Knowledge of conservation, natural resource management, community development


• A current full New Zealand driver licence

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.

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

Salary: $69,429 - $88,181, 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 Monday 26th October.

For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]

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. 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.