Programme Lead - Tara iti (Fixed Term/ Secondment)

• Unique and innovative programme protecting the nationally critical tara iti (NZ Fairy Tern)

• Maternity Leave Cover – till October 2026 | Salary range: $92,912 - $117,570

• Warkworth location preferred – Auckland or Whangarei would be considered for the right candidate

• Collaboration focus - work with iwi, hapū, communities and stakeholders

Your opportunity to lead meaningful work that makes a real difference — for our environment, our communities, and future generations.

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 tara iti/NZ fairy tern is Aotearoa’s most endangered endemic bird, with fewer than 40 individual adults remaining and breeding at just five sites across Auckland and Northland. To support its recovery, DOC, alongside our mana whenua partners, and a large number of stakeholders and community groups run an intensive management programme focused on nest protection, predator control, habitat care, captive rearing, advocacy, and compliance.

As the Programme Lead – Tara iti you’ll get the opportunity to be a part of a truly unique, complex and interesting programme. You’ll be surrounded by a supportive team and contribute to the recovery of this precious bird.

The position will be focussed on:

• Providing technical leadership through leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of the Tara iti recovery programme.

• Collaborating with operational teams, iwi/hapū, community groups, and stakeholders to ensure programme success

• Managing budgets, risks, timelines, and reporting with a sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of accountability and integrity

• Driving continuous improvement and innovation in how we deliver conservation outcomes

• Be part of the District Leadership Team and contribute to decisions around resources and priorities

• Leading by example by building strong relationships and consistently acting with integrity in everything you do.

• Some travel will be required (in the Northland area), however this role is majority office based.

This is a maternity cover, fixed term contract – ideally running from early March 2026 for a period of 8 months.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of the following skills and experience, we are keen to hear from you:

• Proven experience leading complex programmes or projects, ideally in conservation, operations, environmental management, or public sector delivery.

• An ecological species background, ideally within threatened species management

• Strong relationship management skills — you’re confident engaging with diverse stakeholders, including mana whenua and bringing them on the journey

• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities — you thrive in dynamic environments.

• Both a strategic and delivery mindset with the ability to translate vision into action.

• A passion for conservation and a commitment to DOC’s kaupapa.

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.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Tonoa inaiānei | 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 $92,912 - $117,570 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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 5th February

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