Delivery Lead

• Lead delivery of one of Aotearoa’s largest biodiversity protection programmes.

• Make a measurable difference for threatened wildlife across 1.8 million hectares of conservation land.

• Guide and support a mobile team of highly skilled predator control professionals.

• Wellington/ Flexible location + meaningful work for nature.

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

The Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai protects and restores 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.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This is a rare opportunity to lead operational delivery of the National Predator Control Programme (NPCP)—one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex conservation programmes.

NPCP protects some of our most vulnerable wildlife at more than 70 sites spread across the country, using a mix of large-scale aerial 1080 operations and ground-based predator control.

You will lead a team of seven, including four Regional Leads and three senior predator control specialists who work nationally. These are highly experienced technical professionals who need expert leadership, clear prioritisation, and effective support.

As Delivery Lead, you will set direction, build capability, and make informed decisions that keep people safe and operations on track. You will manage risks, allocate resources, identify pressure points, and drive improvement of DOC’s delivery systems.

You will also work closely with other DOC teams, iwi, community partners, contractors, and other predator control agencies. The role requires strong communication, good judgement, and the ability to manage many stakeholders with different interests.

This is a delivery focused role and is part of a wider management cohort reporting to the National Predator Control Programme Manager.

The position will be focused on:

• Leading a national team delivering a complex, high risk predator control programme.

• Overseeing planning, delivery, and assurance for aerial 1080 and ground control operations

• Managing risk, safety, and operational quality across all NPCP sites.

• Prioritising resources and resolving issues early to keep work on time, on budget, and achieving outcomes.

• Supporting regional operations, by building excellent teamwork between technical, operational, support staff and contractors.

• Driving innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice across the programme.

• Working as an honourable Treaty partner and supporting genuine Māori involvement in predator control work.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with:

• Proven leadership experience in technical, operational, or high-risk environments.

• Strong knowledge and experience in predator control, including aerial 1080 and ground-based control.

• Excellent risk management and safety practice.

• Strong planning, coordination, resource management, and prioritisation skills.

• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

• Experience managing and supporting skilled professionals.

• Confidence communicating with a wide range of stakeholders (internal teams, community groups, tangata whenua, local authorities, and commercial contractors).

• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori, and how these guide our work.

You’ll also have (or be willing to develop):

• Understanding of Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

• Ability to work in genuine partnership with Māori.

• Respect for iwi values and perspectives.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?

At DOC, our culture is built on our values—integrity, connection, empowerment, and achievement. We support your growth and want everyone to participate, thrive, and contribute.

Learn more about our benefits here.

Click here for the position description.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from mahi on the marae, with your iwi or hapū, through connections, community or volunteer work, or other roles. We value the wide range of skills, strengths and knowledge that people bring, no matter where they were gained.

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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $109,160–$ 143,000 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 katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 24 February 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Peter Morton at [email protected]