• Lead wildfire management response and readiness and lift visibility of wildfire management across DOC.
• Work across the DOC to roll out practical on the ground training.
• Build key partnerships with agencies and internally, enhancing operational capability.
• Permanent role, flexible work 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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role
We are seeking an experienced leader to take on the role of Wildfire and Field Skills Manager, a position critical to the future of wildfire management and operational skill development within our Regional Operations Group. As a key member of the National Operations management team, you will lead a group of technical senior advisors, working closely with regional operations teams and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
Your primary focus will be on leading wildfire response and readiness within Regional Operations, including the rollout of practical, on-the-ground training programmes to enhance operational skills and capability. In collaboration with FENZ, you will contribute to our approach in managing wildfire hazards, particularly by increasing awareness of the threat wildfires pose to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and high-use sites.
Additionally, you will play a pivotal role in developing core wildfire management capabilities within DOC. This includes working closely with our learning and development team to align training needs, ensuring that critical expertise is retained and transferred effectively from experienced staff.
We are looking for someone with a passion for fire management and an interest in operational programme development.

The position will be focussed on:

• Building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners like FENZ.
• Supporting the development and implementation of on-the-ground training across the regional operations group.
• Applying operational expertise in wildfire management to lead responses and manage health and safety risks.
• Leading and managing a team of technical operators, setting clear objectives and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Developing and maintaining readiness and response plans for fire management, prioritising tasks and ensuring effective execution.
• Driving collaboration and best practice across teams, enhancing fire management processes and capabilities.

Your strategic mindset will be essential as you develop and maintain readiness and response plans for fire management, prioritise tasks, and drive collaboration and best practices across teams to enhance our fire management processes and other operational capabilities.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience
To perform effectively in this role, you will be a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of fire management and proven experience in building and maintaining strong partnerships with key stakeholders. Your ability to communicate clearly and effectively across a range of audiences is essential.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have:

• Practical experience in operational fieldwork and managing wildfire responses.
• A thorough understanding of CIMS incident management structure and systems.
• Experience engaging with government agencies and external stakeholders.
• Proven leadership in managing teams, with strong delegation and performance management skills.
• Expertise in developing and executing short to medium-term strategic plans.
• The ability to inspire others, foster proactive information sharing, and effectively communicate complex ideas.
• An understanding of the Māori-Crown relationship and obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role where you can make a significant impact on fire management practices and conservation efforts in New Zealand. Join our small, dedicated team at the national level and help us build resilience against the increasing threat of wildfires.
Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply. Note this position can be based out of multiple locations. Please specify in your covering letter where you wish to be based.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.

Tono ināianei | 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 $113,712 to $161,659 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.
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 15 September 2024.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Alastair Johnstone at aljohnstone@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/ 1810306