Water Services Strategy Lead at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

03 Mar, 26

Salary

128912.0

Posted On

03 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Planning, Asset Management, Financial Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Team Leadership, Water Service Frameworks, Investment Analysis, Lifecycle Management, Collaboration, Environmental Stewardship, Innovation, Infrastructure Strategy, Technical Expertise, Best Practices

Industry

Government Administration

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 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 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 Ngā pūkenga me ngā 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 Mō te tīma | 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 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. 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 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 $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. Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 14 December 2025 Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Adam Liao, aliao@doc.govt.nz Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of DOC’s Water Services Strategy, ensuring it integrates organisational priorities, financial planning, and regulatory compliance. Guide the strategic direction for how water is managed, treated, and sustained across national parks and conservation assets.