Senior Operational Regulatory Policy Advisor (Fixed Term)

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Wellington is seeking a Senior Operational Policy Advisor to design and interpret operational regulatory policies that lift performance and provide clear direction for conservation activities.

You will work across legislative frameworks, lead data analysis, collaborate with partners and stakeholders, and mentor team members to deliver high-quality policy that supports sustainable conservation nationally. This fixed-term role runs to 29 June 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulatory policy, law, or public administration with understanding of legislation and policy frameworks.
• Ability to think critically and analytically to provide innovative solutions.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence at senior levels and lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience in managing complex projects through to successful delivery.
• Ability to translate complex information into sound, evidence-based advice.
• Strong business writing skills.
• A passion for conservation and driving positive policy impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic operational policy design and advise on complex regulatory issues.
• Work with large data sets, clean data, and develop codified processes.
• Engage with stakeholders to design and develop operational policies.
• Provide mentorship and support to deliver high-quality results.
• Support consistent implementation of regulatory policy practices across New Zealand.

Skills

Regulatory policy

Public administration

Critical thinking

Stakeholder relationship building

Project management

Evidence-based advice

Business writing

Job description

Ensure DOC's regulatory outcomes align with our mission to protect and restore Aotearoa's natural and cultural heritage.

Play a key role in developing and interpreting operational policy.

Full time, fixed term role until 29 June 2027; Wellington location preferred.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Are you passionate about shaping operational policy that lifts regulatory performance and provides clear direction for activities undertaken on conservation land? Do you have the expertise to design operational regulatory policies that drive change and enhance conservation outcomes? Join our team and play a pivotal role in defining and implementing the future of our regulatory framework.

As Senior Operational Policy Advisor, you will have the unique opportunity to develop operational regulatory policies that support the national delivery of high-quality regulatory processes. Your work will help shape the policies that govern how we protect Aotearoa's lands and species, impacting conservation efforts across the country. In this newly established role, you will collaborate with key partners and stakeholders to ensure our approach is equitable, innovative, and sustainable.

The position will be focussed on:

• Operational Policy Design and Advice: Lead strategic operational policy work, analyse legislative and regulatory frameworks, and provide authoritative advice on complex issues.
• Data analysis and frameworks: Ability to work with large data sets, cleaning raw data to form codified processes and searchable resources.
• Engagement and Collaboration: Work closely with relevant parties to design and develop operational policies for delivery of regulatory services. Foster strong relationships with stakeholders and regulated parties.
• Leadership and Mentoring: Support the operational policy programme, providing guidance and sharing knowledge with team members to deliver high-quality results.
• Implementation: Support consistent implementation of regulatory policy practices across New Zealand and identify training needs to support staff development.

This is a full time, fixed term role until 29 June 2027. Wellington is the preferred location, but other locations can be considered for the right candidate.

Click here for the Role Description

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We're looking for a resilient self-starter who enjoys building connections and thrives on operating in challenging environments. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Experience in regulatory policy, law, or public administration, with a strong understanding of legislation, regulation, and the policy frameworks that shape the regulatory environment
• Ability to think critically and analytically to provide innovative solutions
• Strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence at senior levels, lead cross‑functional teams
• Experienced in managing complex projects through to successful delivery
• The ability to translate and synthesise complex information to provide sound, evidence‑based advice
• Strong business writing skills
• A passion for conservation and a drive to make a positive impact through effective operational regulatory policy

Desirable:

• A solid understanding of Te Ao Māori, Māori Crown relationships, and Treaty of Waitangi principles, with experience engaging meaningfully with Māori communities
• Expertise in statutory land management, resources management, and Treaty settlements

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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 we're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Want to know more?

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 10 September 2026

Salary: $93,656 -$118,510, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid New Zealand work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Arna Litchfield, Regulatory Operational Policy Manager, at [e-mail]