Senior Marine Ecosystem Advisor — Drive Ocean Conservation Impact

Department of Conservation (DOC); Wellington; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Secondment opportunities

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Wellington seeks a Senior Technical Advisor for the Marine Ecosystems team. This desk-based role uses marine science to ensure high-quality, evidence‑based guidance informs DOC’s marine management decisions.

You will prepare guidance, assess permit applications, translate technical data for staff and partners, and help develop tools to support conservation mahi. This is a full-time, fixed-term or secondment until 30 April 2027.

Qualifications

• Degree in marine science with an ecosystem focus; MSc/PhD welcomed.
• Experience providing marine ecological advice for RMA and Fast-track applications.
• Clear writing and communication skills, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clear, well‑reasoned guidance on marine ecosystems and resource management.
• Assess the risks and benefits of permit applications, including fast-track pathways.
• Translate technical and scientific information into plain English for staff and partners.
• Develop tools and resources that help DOC staff in marine conservation mahi.

Skills

Marine ecosystems knowledge

Marine ecological advice

Clear communication

Critical thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Prioritisation & organisation

Continuous learning

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Degree in marine science (ecosystem focus)

Postgraduate qualifications welcome (MSc or PhD)

Job description

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Wellington seeks a Senior Technical Advisor for the Marine Ecosystems team. This desk-based role uses marine science to ensure high-quality, evidence‑based guidance informs DOC’s marine management decisions.

You will prepare guidance, assess permit applications, translate technical data for staff and partners, and help develop tools to support conservation mahi. This is a full-time, fixed-term or secondment until 30 April 2027.