1. Rewarding career in conservation delivering challenging infrastructure projects, help build a lasting legacy for future generations.
2. $92,450 - $116,985
3. 2x permanent full time roles, one located anywhere in the North Island and the other in Nelson
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
Are you an experienced Project Manager keen to lead infrastructure project delivery for conservation? At DOC, you'll have the chance to make a real impact and shape the future of our assets for future generations.
As a Project Manager in Infrastructure, you will oversee a variety of projects including property assets (such as offices, residential properties, and visitor centres), 3-waters assets, visitor assets (including tracks, huts, and bridges), biodiversity assets, and roading as needed. You will take the lead in planning, executing, and delivering projects while ensuring alignment with our broader objectives. You will manage the full project lifecycle while managing risks and identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality, all while fostering effective communication and working collaboratively to ensure changes are effective.
These roles are not tied to a specific region, so flexibility will be necessary to manage projects in different locations close to your home base, when possible.
The position will:
4. Be responsible for delivering on projects that support strategy, but at the delivery level.
5. Scope, define, and manage project parameters, ensuring clear phases and milestones are established for successful delivery.
6. Lead the development of project plans and schedules, working closely with workstream leads to ensure timely and quality outcomes.
7. Identify and manage project risks, dependencies, and issues, proactively addressing challenges to keep the project on track.
8. Lead effective communication across all project stakeholders, ensuring alignment and transparency at all stages of the project.
9. Identify opportunities to create sustainable mechanisms for delivery of small scale changes than align with wider programme objectives.
10. Manage and motivate the project team, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development within a diverse and inclusive team culture.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We seek an individual with a growth mindset who can effectively navigate the ambiguity and risks associated with infrastructure projects. You should be adaptable, focused, and credible, able to instil confidence in stakeholders while leading projects. We're interested in candidates with strong project management experience. You will be a good listener and a problem solver, possessing excellent communication and negotiation skills with a commitment to achieving the best outcomes.
Below are some of the skills and experience that will set you up for success;
11. 3+ years' proven experience leading end-to-end capital works projects (from scoping to delivery). Experience may include property projects (i.e. new builds, refurbishments, fit outs, etc), 3-waters projects, visitor/bio projects and/or roading projects
12. 5+ years' experience and a thorough knowledge of project management practices and principles
13. Experience with delivery of projects that require Regulatory Approval including e.g. Building Consent, Engineering Plan Approval, and Resource Consent, Heritage/Archaeological permits and conservation authorisations
14. Skilled in project management in a complex and changing environment, translating analysis into practical implementation, skilled in using a range of project management methodologies
15. Competent at undertaking business analysis, prioritising work, financial planning, budgetary management and using resources efficiently and effectively to deliver desired project outputs
16. Experience in project controls, including quality, schedule, and budget
17. Able to take evidence and data around complex issues and turn it into and present insightful advice
18. Experience in procurement and contract management including different contracting delivery models and New Zealand forms of contract
19. Ability to review and prepare written reports, and to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
20. Current full NZ driving licence
Mō te tīma | About the team
The recently formed Asset Delivery Team is responsible for delivering a range of infrastructure projects. Team members are based in district offices around the motu, within relative proximity to the projects they are delivering.
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
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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.
The salary range for this position is $92,450 - $116,985 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 25 July 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, contact either Rodrigo Pizarro, Asset Delivery Manager (North Island) at or Anthony Clegg, Asset Delivery Manager (South Island)
Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1872757 & DOC/1872726