- Shape visitor experiences that connect people with NZ's natural and cultural heritage.

- Embrace new approaches to visitor management and experience design.

- Wellington or Palmerston North, Christchurch, and Nelson position locations available.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa 

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 

Due to recent retirement of long-term colleagues within the team, we have three positions available in the following locations: Wellington or Palmerston North, Christchurch, and Nelson.  

You will be one of nine regionally based Senior Visitor Advisors reporting to the Visitor Advice Manager and part of the national Heritage & Visitor Directorate. Based in one of the above locations, you'll be focussed on lifting operational capability through supporting and advising our senior leaders and teams on the lower North Island, northern South Island and eastern South Island. 

Your key responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with regional leaders to bring our visitor strategy to life. Provide guidance, coaching, and influence key decision-makers to enhance visitor experiences at our key sites and destinations.
• Align regional work programs with our national strategy. Engage with senior leaders, capture insights, identify risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, leveraging your expertise to influence complex projects. Work closely with Te Tiriti partners and iwi across the region to align regional priorities with national directions.
• Foster a collaborative environment by coaching and mentoring others. Support national and cross-regional visitor-related projects and improvement initiatives.

Strong critical thinking and a solutions-focused approach will enable you to engage with the right people at the right time, capture insights, review system performance, identify risks and opportunities, influence design thinking, and provide feedback and recommendations to advance visitor experience and protect conservation values.  You will also have regular opportunities to support national and cross-regional visitor projects, engage with Te Tiriti partners and iwi across the region, and provide technical advice and support.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience: 

• Solid understanding of visitor and destination management, with knowledge of New Zealand's recreation and tourism sectors.
• Confident and credible stakeholder relationship skills, with experience advising and influencing at all levels of management.
• Ability to apply strategic thinking and insights to influence complex projects and align regional priorities with national strategies.
• Cultural awareness and commitment to Te Tiriti principles, with the ability to engage and work in partnership with iwi, hapū, and whānau.
• Strong collaboration skills and the capability to coach and mentor others.
• Background in visitor planning, destination management, travel, or tourism is desirable.

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 

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.  

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

Please specify in your cover letter which location you wish to be based from: Wellington or Palmerston North, Christchurch or Nelson. 

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. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 4 August 2024.

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1806320