Statutory and Community Manager

Department of Conservation (DOC); Hokitika; On-site; NZD 123,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation agency in New Zealand seeks a Statutory and Community Manager to oversee regulatory functions and engage with communities for effective conservation management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in regulatory contexts, as well as leadership and problem-solving skills. This permanent role offers a competitive salary ranging from $123,000 to $162,500 and invites diverse applicants.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulatory environments with knowledge of Resource Management Act.
• Leadership experience in diverse teams.
• Understanding of legal decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional work programmes in conservation management.
• Ensure compliance with statutory processes and legislation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to improve regulatory processes.

Skills

Strong relationship management skills

Excellent judgement

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Background in Regulatory, Statutory, or Legal field

Job description

Overview

Combine your regulatory expertise, passion for people and Conservation

Permanent Role | Salary range: $123,000 - $162,500

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 purposeful changes in how we work —so we can achieve the conservation outcomes we’re aiming for.

The new Statutory and Community Manager role will play a pivotal part in the way management of public conservation land and conservation values in the region are managed. Reporting to the Director, Regional Operations, you’ll lead the region’s work programmes ensuring permissions, regulatory and statutory outcomes are being met. This is a leadership role that blends regulatory expertise with people-centred engagement — perfect for someone who thrives on complexity, collaboration, and conservation impact.

The position will be focussed on:

• Your expert knowledge to ensure statutory processes are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with legislation, Treaty settlement obligations, and DOC’s values.
• Leading a team to deliver permissions, RMA, other statutory land functions, OIA and ministerial correspondence on behalf of the region.
• Providing support to the Director and the Regional Leadership Team leading and delivering strategic issue management for the region
• Collaborating with internal and external regulatory stakeholders to share information and build relationships to identify opportunities or resolve issues.
• Creating regional improvements in delivery of regulatory processes, with a focus on linkages with regulatory processes lead by other authorities (e.g. councils) in how they relate to DOC’s statutory obligations.
• Fostering a positive team environment by providing guidance, training and development opportunities.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A passionate people leader, you lead by example and can empower and develop an inclusive, collaborative and capable team from diverse backgrounds and dispersed locations.
• A background in Regulatory, Statutory, Legal or similar formal education or practical application in a related field.
• Deep understanding of the Resource Management Act, Conservation Act, and related legislation.
• Strong relationship management skills — especially in working with iwi/hapū and community stakeholders.
• Excellent judgement, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience in legislative decision-making situations, understanding the legal parameters required to inform decision making processes and decisions.

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

This is a place where nature thrives because people do.

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.

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 $123,000 - $162,500 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 Thursday 9th October.

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