Job Description
Shape the future of DOC's water services, lead the strategy that safeguards our natural heritage through resilient, sustainable and compliant water systems
$96,185.00 - $128,912.00
Permanent full time, Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch location
Shape the future of DOC's water services, lead the strategy that safeguards our natural heritage through resilient, sustainable and compliant water systems
$96,185.00 - $128,912.00
Permanent full time, Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch location
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.
Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.
Mo te turanga | About the role
Help protect Aotearoa's most precious natural places by leading the strategy that keeps water flowing cleanly and sustainably across our conservation estate.
As Water Services Strategy Lead, you'll guide the strategic direction for how water is managed, treated, and sustained across our diverse national parks, visitor sites, and conservation assets. This is a role where your technical expertise meets purpose-connecting infrastructure strategy with environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
You'll lead the development and delivery of DOC's Water Services Strategy, ensuring it integrates organisational priorities, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Working across functions, regions, and disciplines, you'll influence decisions at all levels-supporting sustainable investment, championing best practice in asset management, and helping DOC continue to care for the whenua, wai, and taiao.
The position will:
Lead DOC's Water Services Strategy: Develop and maintain an integrated long-term strategy aligning organisational priorities, infrastructure planning, and financial management
Drive Investment and Asset Management: Shape prudent and strategic approaches to planning, renewal, and investment for DOC's water infrastructure network, responsible for the water asset management plan.
Provide Strategic Advice: Offer trusted, specialist guidance across DOC to enhance water services management and support innovation in design and delivery
Champion Improvement Initiatives: Identify and lead opportunities to strengthen asset performance, risk management, and service delivery
Influence and Lead through Collaboration: Guide and inspire teams across DOC, setting direction and expectations while fostering a culture of shared learning and inclusion
Click here for the Role Description
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
Proven ability to shape and implement long-term strategies that align with organisational goals
Expertise in strategic asset and lifecycle management for infrastructure systems
Strong understanding of water service frameworks, legislation, and regulatory compliance
Skilled in financial planning, investment analysis, and capital budgeting
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across diverse groups
Experience leading multi-disciplinary and regional teams through influence rather than authority
Industry-recognised asset management qualification (or equivalent experience)
Proficiency in asset management systems (e.g. SAP/EAM) and standard office tools
Mo te tima | About the team
The Asset Management Directorate (AMD) brings all of DOC's asset portfolios under one directorate. AMD delivers on Organisation Support's strategy to create a safe, compliant, and financially sustainable asset network that enables DOC Outcomes.
He aha nga painga mou? | 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.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.
Tonoa inaianei | 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 $96,185.00 - $128,912.00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
(SECONDMENT ONLY) You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.
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.
Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 14 December 2026
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Adam Liao, aliao@doc.govt.nz
.
$96,185.00 - $128,912.00
Permanent full time, Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch location
Shape the future of DOC's water services, lead the strategy that safeguards our natural heritage through resilient, sustainable and compliant water systems
$96,185.00 - $128,912.00
Permanent full time, Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch location
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.
Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.
Mo te turanga | About the role
Help protect Aotearoa's most precious natural places by leading the strategy that keeps water flowing cleanly and sustainably across our conservation estate.
As Water Services Strategy Lead, you'll guide the strategic direction for how water is managed, treated, and sustained across our diverse national parks, visitor sites, and conservation assets. This is a role where your technical expertise meets purpose-connecting infrastructure strategy with environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.
You'll lead the development and delivery of DOC's Water Services Strategy, ensuring it integrates organisational priorities, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Working across functions, regions, and disciplines, you'll influence decisions at all levels-supporting sustainable investment, championing best practice in asset management, and helping DOC continue to care for the whenua, wai, and taiao.
The position will:
Lead DOC's Water Services Strategy: Develop and maintain an integrated long-term strategy aligning organisational priorities, infrastructure planning, and financial management
Drive Investment and Asset Management: Shape prudent and strategic approaches to planning, renewal, and investment for DOC's water infrastructure network, responsible for the water asset management plan.
Provide Strategic Advice: Offer trusted, specialist guidance across DOC to enhance water services management and support innovation in design and delivery
Champion Improvement Initiatives: Identify and lead opportunities to strengthen asset performance, risk management, and service delivery
Influence and Lead through Collaboration: Guide and inspire teams across DOC, setting direction and expectations while fostering a culture of shared learning and inclusion
Click here for the Role Description
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
Proven ability to shape and implement long-term strategies that align with organisational goals
Expertise in strategic asset and lifecycle management for infrastructure systems
Strong understanding of water service frameworks, legislation, and regulatory compliance
Skilled in financial planning, investment analysis, and capital budgeting
Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across diverse groups
Experience leading multi-disciplinary and regional teams through influence rather than authority
Industry-recognised asset management qualification (or equivalent experience)
Proficiency in asset management systems (e.g. SAP/EAM) and standard office tools
Mo te tima | About the team
The Asset Management Directorate (AMD) brings all of DOC's asset portfolios under one directorate. AMD delivers on Organisation Support's strategy to create a safe, compliant, and financially sustainable asset network that enables DOC Outcomes.
He aha nga painga mou? | 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.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.
Tonoa inaianei | 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 $96,185.00 - $128,912.00 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
(SECONDMENT ONLY) You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.
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.
Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 14 December 2026
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Adam Liao, aliao@doc.govt.nz
.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Water Services Strategy Lead position is now open for candidates interested in the Waiter / Steward Jobs sector. This role in Christchurch 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 Waiter / Steward Jobs is a plus.