Job Description
Develop strategic direction to protect our special places and species for future generations.
Partner with tangata whenua in the development of statutory planning documents.
Work in a diverse and motivated team.
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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.
He angitūtanga | About the role
As a Conservation Policy Planner in our Statutory Planning team, you'll be responsible for running planning review and development processes, producing statutory conservation plans, and then providing advice on implementation.
The planning documents you prepare will provide direction for how public conservation lands and waters will be managed. These documents include conservation management strategies, national park plans and conservation management plans.
Effective partnership with ngata whenua in planning processes is a key part of this role. We work with Treaty Partners to realise their aspirations and interests, build strong working relationships with multiple teams across DOC and engage with the public and other stakeholders to understand what conservation means to them.
You'll also be working with external statutory bodies, including conservation boards, the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the Minister of Conservation.
We are a national team of statutory planners with a great mix of skills, interests, backgrounds, and approaches. This role will give the successful applicant a diverse range of challenges and opportunities – public engagement with local communities, partnering with Treaty partners, development of robust future proof planning approaches, exposure to many interesting teams within DOC.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You may come from a background in planning, policy, legal, resource management or stakeholder engagement. Either way, you'll have skills and experience in the following areas:
Strong analytical and organisational ability.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience in planning processes – either plan or policy development or plan analysis.
Knowledge of environmental planning disciplines, legislation or policy development.
Experience working with tangata whenua: iwi, hapū and whānau is beneficial.
Sound working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Excellent communication, engagement, and relationship management skills.
An understanding of te ao Māori would be an advantage.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.
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.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
The salary range for this position is $7+,656 to $100,63+ with the starting salary based on the successful applicants level of relevant skills and experience.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:5+ pm on Monday, 28 October 2026.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Kate, Senior Recruitment Advisor at ktriplow@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1823+23
Partner with tangata whenua in the development of statutory planning documents.
Work in a diverse and motivated team.
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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.
He angitūtanga | About the role
As a Conservation Policy Planner in our Statutory Planning team, you'll be responsible for running planning review and development processes, producing statutory conservation plans, and then providing advice on implementation.
The planning documents you prepare will provide direction for how public conservation lands and waters will be managed. These documents include conservation management strategies, national park plans and conservation management plans.
Effective partnership with ngata whenua in planning processes is a key part of this role. We work with Treaty Partners to realise their aspirations and interests, build strong working relationships with multiple teams across DOC and engage with the public and other stakeholders to understand what conservation means to them.
You'll also be working with external statutory bodies, including conservation boards, the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the Minister of Conservation.
We are a national team of statutory planners with a great mix of skills, interests, backgrounds, and approaches. This role will give the successful applicant a diverse range of challenges and opportunities – public engagement with local communities, partnering with Treaty partners, development of robust future proof planning approaches, exposure to many interesting teams within DOC.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You may come from a background in planning, policy, legal, resource management or stakeholder engagement. Either way, you'll have skills and experience in the following areas:
Strong analytical and organisational ability.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience in planning processes – either plan or policy development or plan analysis.
Knowledge of environmental planning disciplines, legislation or policy development.
Experience working with tangata whenua: iwi, hapū and whānau is beneficial.
Sound working knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Excellent communication, engagement, and relationship management skills.
An understanding of te ao Māori would be an advantage.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.
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.
Please let us know if you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
The salary range for this position is $7+,656 to $100,63+ with the starting salary based on the successful applicants level of relevant skills and experience.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:5+ pm on Monday, 28 October 2026.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Kate, Senior Recruitment Advisor at ktriplow@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1823+23
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Conservation Policy Planner position is now open for candidates interested in the Work from home Jobs sector. This role in Hamilton offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Work from home Jobs is a plus.