Department of Conservation (DOC)

Regional Planner

Posted: Nov 5, 2025

Job Description

Drive business planning initiatives to enhance regional operations and achieve strategic outcomes.Salary: $80,054- $101,142- flexible working supported.Permanent, full-time role, based in Dunedin or Invercargill.Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaThe 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 roleYou will be one of a team of three Regional Planners and will play a central role in crafting and executing strategic plans that integrate our Heritage and Visitor, Biodiversity, Community and Treaty priorities within the Southern South Island Region. You will work closely across the region to ensure annual planning supports long-term outcomes, while providing essential support and advice. The position will be focussed on:Working with key staff across region (Heritage and Visitor, Biodiversity, Community, Tiriti Advisors) to establish organisational priority uptake across the region and ensure regional context is driven in determining functional priorities.Overseeing performance reporting and provide assurance on progress towards targets. Ensure capital projects and operational plans meet our high standards.Contributing to regional reports by analysing operational and project delivery trends and recommending improvements.Preparation and writing of regional tasks in support of the Southern South Island Director and the Regional Leadership Team.Supporting improvement initiatives that may align with conservation outcomes, treaty outcomes, capability and capacity training & skills and culture work at a regional level.Leading further developing integrated regional plans that harmonise biodiversity, heritage, visitor priorities in alignment with Treaty commitments and community outcomes.Lead and coordinate regional tasks, hui, and initiatives as required to support effective delivery and implementation.Click here for the Role DescriptionNgā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceIf you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:broad knowledge of the work undertaken by the Department of Conservationstrong analytical and reporting skillsstrong background in planning, financial management systems and performance improvementstrong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to integrate and present data insights effectively along with report writingknowledge and understanding of Treaty Settlement and implementation contextsolid understanding of conservation management and national strategiesability to work collaboratively and adapt to an environment of pace at timesvalid driving licence.Desirable:experience in local government, council, or iwi organisations, particularly in long-term planning and consultation operational deliveryunderstanding of asset management principles and practicesexperience in tiriti partner relationships and deliverablesKnowledge of Te Papa Atawhai and the Southern South Island Region.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 nowApply 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 $80,054- $101,142 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.Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 12 November.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 David Agnew, Regional Planning and Performance Manager (SSI) at dagnew@doc.govt.nz.

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