Project Manager in Canterbury

Make a real impact on conservation outcomes by leading projects that improve how we work.

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.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

We are looking for a Project Manager to support the delivery of our National Contaminated Sites Programme. The Contaminated Sites Programme was established in 2021 to address legacy industrial activity on what is now Public Conservation Land promoting enhanced staff and visitor safety and addressing any potential adverse environmental effects. You will be part of a dedicated Programme Team that is passionate about conservation and making a difference for Aotearoa. The team is dispersed across the country and delivers a portfolio of projects remotely with the support of our Regional Operations team. The role will require the successful person to be present on site at times and as such will require periodic travel. While flexible, the preferred location for this role is in the North Island. DOC maintains regional offices across the country, the closest to the successful candidate will become their home office where they will be integrated with other locally based national team members and alongside district and regional operations staff. This is an opportunity for an up-and-coming Project Manager to develop their existing skill sets by being part of a high performing experienced team of project and technical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Project delivery; be accountable for the delivery of a portfolio of contaminated sites projects across a range of stages including investigation, remediation planning and remediation in accordance with DOC's Project Management Framework.
• Contract Management; be responsible for procuring required consultancy and construction services and follow all government and DOC procurement guidelines.
• Financial management; manage the project allocated budgets including raising and managing purchase orders and undertaking routing, reporting and forecasting.
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing; be responsible for ensuring work is delivered safely, is regularly audited and appropriately tracked through DOC's internal Health and Safety monitoring software.
• Collaboration; support the Programme Manager to deliver the wider national programme by delivering to scope, time, and budget. Coordinate multiple workstreams, drive process improvements, manage dependencies and proactively identify risks and issues.
• Stakeholder Engagement; work closely with Treaty partners, operational teams, technical specialists, and contractors to make sure solutions meet frontline needs.
• Planning & Execution; support the maintaining of project plans, reporting and risk registers, validation of payment claims, monitor on site progress, manage risks and dependencies, and resolve issues proactively.

Qualifications

• Proven experience overseeing contractors and consultants, particularly in relation to civil construction works.
• Managing compliance, auditing of quality, health and safety and delivery to designs/specifications.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Agile and/or Waterfall methodologies.
• Ability to manage budgets, risks, and resources effectively.
• Experience in conservation, public sector, or operational environments (preferred).
• Experience in management of contaminated sites or delivery projects in a contaminated sites setting.
• Qualifications in project management, engineering, or related fields or demonstrated equivalent experience in project delivery roles.
• Project management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, AgilePM).

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Enterprise Project Management and Change Office sits within the Organisational Support Group, which ensures DOC is resourced, capable, financially secure, technologically enabled, and safe. We are responsible for ensuring we have the necessary frameworks, resources and support to enable us to achieve our objectives. We also deliver the organisations most complex projects and programmes, providing capable and experienced team members who act as organisational examples of best practice. DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi 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.

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 $82,852.00 - $119,500.00 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 Sunday, 5 April 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 pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Phil Goulter.