Experience Design Team Lead

• Lead the design of unforgettable visitor experiences

• Drive innovative design that connects people with nature.

• Salary range: $109,160 – $143,000 (based on skills and experience).

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.

Are you passionate about creating experiences that connect people to nature? This is your chance to lead a talented team shaping some of Aotearoa’s most iconic destinations. From the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to Aoraki/Mt Cook, Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, and Pike River, your work will leave a lasting impact on how visitors experience our unique landscapes and stories.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This is a leadership role with a creative edge. You’ll guide a team of five experience designers and deliver visitor experiences that inspire, educate, and reflect Aotearoa’s heritage and conservation values.

Your work will:

• Build strong partnerships with iwi and stakeholders to co-design experiences.

• Ensure cultural narratives and storytelling are central to every project.

• Embed experience design early in planning and delivery across DOC.

• Oversee design outputs such as signage, concept plans, and landscaping.

You’ll balance team leadership with hands-on design delivery (50/50 split). Success means creating experiences that connect people to nature, honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and protect our heritage.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team.

• Apply best-practice experience design and customer-focused methodologies.

• Influence planning and integrate design thinking across complex projects.

• Build strong relationships with iwi and work as an honourable Treaty partner.

• Communicate clearly and collaborate across diverse teams.

Your background might include:

• Landscape architecture, storytelling, production design, or conceptual design.

• Experience in museums, councils, or large-scale visitor projects.

• Strong understanding of outdoor experiences, conservation, and heritage.

Desirable:

• Tertiary qualification in design, visitor experience, or environmental planning.

• Experience leading strategic design initiatives in complex environments.

• Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work

• Work in genuine partnership with Māori and act as an honourable treaty partner

Being a genuine Treaty partner means:

• Putting Treaty relationships first in the way we work

• Showing respect in every partnership

• Growing our Treaty knowledge and Te Ao Māori capability

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

At the heart of our success is our strong DOC culture, built on clear values. Our integrity grounds us, our connections take us further together, we empower ourselves and others to do the best work, so we achieve more for nature and New Zealand.  DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.

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.

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 Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Karly Bent at [email protected]