Senior Fast-Track Conservation Advisor

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai; Wellington; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai in Wellington seeks a senior advisor to lead complex Fast-track applications and deliver expert regulatory advice on nationally significant projects. You will engage with central and local government, iwi, applicants and expert panels, guiding regional teams and shaping regulatory practice to integrate conservation into major infrastructure decisions.

This role requires strong analytical thinking, clear written and verbal communication, and the

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of resource management, conservation consenting and regulatory processes.
• Knowledge of Fast-track legislation and statutory decision-making frameworks.
• Proven experience leading complex projects and managing competing priorities.
• Excellent analytical thinking and ability to translate complex evidence into clear advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in preparing submissions and presenting evidence.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and contributing to decision-making.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across organisations and sectors.
• Sound judgement in identifying risks and developing practical solutions.
• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work.
• Experience working with large-scale infrastructure or nationally significant applications.
• Familiarity with hearings processes and presenting technical or expert evidence.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex Fast-track applications from start to finish.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality submissions to expert panels.
• Provide guidance and support to regional teams on Fast Track Act matters.
• Identify risks and issues early and manage them effectively.
• Interpret legislation and policy to provide robust, evidence-based advice.
• Translate complex information into clear recommendations for a range of audiences.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and represent DOC externally.
• Support and mentor others through peer review and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Resource management

Conservation consent

Regulatory processes

Fast-track legislation

Statutory decision-making

Project leadership

Priorities management

Analytical thinking

Translate evidence

Written communication

Verbal communication

Submissions experience

Presenting evidence

Stakeholder engagement

Senior stakeholders

Relationship building

Cross-organisation

Risk management

Practical solutions

Māori tikanga

Te Tiriti understanding

Infrastructure projects

Hearings familiarity

Expert evidence

Tools

None

Job description

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai in Wellington seeks a senior advisor to lead complex Fast-track applications and deliver expert regulatory advice on nationally significant projects. You will engage with central and local government, iwi, applicants and expert panels, guiding regional teams and shaping regulatory practice to integrate conservation into major infrastructure decisions.

This role requires strong analytical thinking, clear written and verbal communication, and the