Principal Advisor- Science and Technical (Monitoring & Insights) at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Hamilton City, Wellington, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jul, 26

Salary

162500.0

Posted On

24 Apr, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Scientific leadership, Biodiversity monitoring, Ecosystem services, Conservation biology, Strategic planning, Evidence-based reporting, Data standards, Applied research, Advanced analytics, Remote sensing, Modelling, Mentoring, Stakeholder engagement, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mātauranga Māori

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Lead DOC’s monitoring science and evidence base for reporting on conservation outcomes Senior science leadership role with system-wide influence across DOC and the science sector Hamilton/ Christchurch/ Wellington/ Flexible work locations considered. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) works 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. He angitūtanga | About the role The Monitoring and Insights Unit provides the scientific evidence that underpins DOC’s understanding of conservation outcomes. The work spans biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services, supporting reporting, strategic decision-making, and system-wide learning. The Principal Advisor- Science and Technical (Monitoring & Insights) is a critical senior leadership role within this unit. The role provides authoritative science leadership across DOC’s monitoring system and is a key interface with the wider science sector. The role will see you lead the science, research and design of monitoring and insights work programmes that provide the evidential basis for reporting on conservation outcomes. This opportunity gives you scope to shape monitoring frameworks and systems, influence strategic direction, and ensure DOC’s advice is scientifically robust, credible, and fit for complex conservation challenges. In this role you will: Provide scientific leadership on biodiversity and ecosystem services monitoring frameworks, including indicator selection, state–pressure–response models, and outcome‑focused assessment architectures Set the strategic direction for DOC’s monitoring science system, ensuring coherence across indicators, sampling design, data standards, analytics, and reporting pathways Deliver authoritative, evidence‑based advice to senior DOC leadership and the Minister, translating complex monitoring outputs, uncertainty, and trade‑offs into decision‑relevant insights Lead applied research programmes to improve monitoring effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability, including integration of emerging technologies, remote sensing, modelling, and advanced analytics Oversee the design, delivery, synthesis, and publication of monitoring and research outputs, ensuring scientific rigour, reproducibility, and relevance at national and international scales Build system capability by mentoring science and technical advisors, and by working as an honourable Treaty partner to embed Māori engagement and Mātauranga Māori within monitoring indicators, models, and system design. Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience This role requires a senior science leader with depth, credibility, and strong system‑level thinking. If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you: Advanced expertise in biodiversity, ecosystem services, conservation biology, or a closely related scientific discipline Proven experience leading applied science or research programmes in complex organisational environments Strong understanding of monitoring frameworks, systems design, and evidence‑based reporting for conservation outcomes Demonstrated ability to provide clear, authoritative advice to senior decision‑makers, including in politically sensitive contexts Experience engaging with the science sector, including universities, Crown Research Institutes, and independent science providers A track record of mentoring and developing science and technical staff to lift system‑wide capability Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and how these apply to conservation science Click here for the position description. 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. Tono ināianei | Apply now Apply online with a CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and your interest in this senior science leadership role at Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from professional practice, research, community or iwi‑based work, or other pathways. We value the breadth of skills and knowledge people bring. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications or provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know. The salary range for this position is $123,000 – $162,500, with the starting salary based on 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 Friday 8 May 2026. Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Karl Beckert at kbeckert@doc.govt.nz 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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC

Responsibilities

The Principal Advisor leads the scientific evidence base for conservation outcomes, setting the strategic direction for monitoring frameworks and systems. They provide authoritative advice to senior leadership and the Minister while overseeing applied research programmes and mentoring technical staff.