At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide biosecurity advice and develop effective systems to protect New Zealand's biodiversity.
- Company: Join the Department of Conservation, dedicated to thriving nature in Aotearoa.
- Benefits: Permanent role with flexible location, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion while being a genuine Treaty partner.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation efforts and work with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in pest management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 80054 - 101142 € per year.
Provide biosecurity advice to achieve conservation outcomes.
Develop, participate in and lead effective biosecurity systems, processes, and tools.
This is an exciting opportunity for a Technical Advisor to join a team of advisors that deliver work on pathogens, plants and animals that threaten our biodiversity and ecosystems. You will work in a critical part of the New Zealand Biosecurity System that deals with new and imminent biological threats that have breached or could breach our international border.
You will be seen as a subject matter expert by your peers and will enjoy working with a wide range of DOC staff, as well as representing DOC in meetings and projects with other agencies including MPI, the EPA, Health NZ, and territorial authorities.
The position will be focussed on:
- Representing the department in external working groups, forums, and regular engagements with key partner agencies.
- Carrying out essential roles in the management of a broad range of pre and post border threats.
- Assessing and imbedding these threats in DOC's investment planning.
- Working as an honourable treaty partner to promote Māori engagement and involvement with our work.
This is a permanent, full-time role ideally based in the South Island (Nelson, Christchurch, Invercargill), but other locations will be considered for the right candidate.
Skills and experience
This is a great opportunity for someone with a background in pest management who is looking to move into a more strategic role as a next step in their career. If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Experience and understanding of border biosecurity (planning, systems and response management) and the importance of this for our biodiversity.
- Good understanding of relevant legislation such as the Biosecurity Act 1993 and HSNO Act 1996.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and reviewing scientific documents.
- Understanding or willingness to learn Māori tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to your work.
Desirable:
- Postgraduate qualifications of relevance to biosecurity or a tertiary qualification with equivalent experience.
- Familiarity with the NZ biosecurity system and how new to New Zealand threats are managed within it.
- Experience planning, leading, and managing cross-functional projects, meeting timeframes and budgets.
- Current, full New Zealand Driver Licence.
- Experience working in partnership with iwi and understanding of tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori.
Being a genuine Treaty partner means:
- Putting Treaty relationships first in the way we work.
- Showing respect in every partnership.
- Growing our Treaty knowledge and Te Ao Māori capability.
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.
Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from mahi on the marae, with your iwi or hapū, through connections, community or volunteer work, or other roles. We value the wide range of skills, strengths and knowledge that people bring, no matter where they were gained.
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 $80,054 to $101,142 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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.
Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday, 1 May 2026.
For further enquiries, contact Anna Basova, Recruitment Advisor, at abasova@doc.govt.nz.
Location: Canterbury
Technical Advisor in Kent employer: New Zealand Government
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is an exceptional employer, offering a permanent, full-time role as a Technical Advisor in the stunning South Island of New Zealand. With a strong commitment to biodiversity and a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity, DOC provides employees with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful engagement in conservation efforts. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a supportive environment that encourages learning about Māori culture, and the chance to make a significant impact on New Zealand's natural heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Advisor in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the biosecurity field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your knowledge of biosecurity systems and legislation during interviews. Bring examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. This will help you stand out as a subject matter expert.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience with pest management and stakeholder engagement clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for conservation and working as a Treaty partner in your cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Advisor in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technical Advisor role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with biosecurity, conservation, and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong verbal and written communication skills are key for this role, include examples of your report writing or any scientific documents you've worked on. We love seeing how you can convey complex information clearly!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Māori Engagement:If you have experience working with iwi or understanding tikanga Māori, make sure to mention it! We value candidates who can promote Māori involvement in our work, so show us how you can be a genuine Treaty partner.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so don’t forget to submit your CV and cover letter there. It’s the best way for us to review your application and get you on board with our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Zealand Government
✨Know Your Biosecurity Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and HSNO Act 1996. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the importance of biosecurity in protecting New Zealand's biodiversity.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders in the past. This role involves working with various agencies, so demonstrating your strong communication and engagement skills will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Embrace Māori Engagement
Familiarise yourself with Māori tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Showing a willingness to learn and respect for these cultural aspects will resonate well with the values of the organisation and highlight your commitment to being a genuine Treaty partner.
✨Be Project Savvy
Think of specific projects you've led or been part of that relate to pest management or biosecurity. Be ready to discuss how you planned, executed, and managed these projects, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
