Staff member talking
Image: Mark Tantrum | DOC

Introduction

Join a team of people who love what they do.

DOC employees work with a wide range of organisations and individuals to protect native species and special places so they are here for generations to come, and help New Zealanders get involved in conservation.

Our purpose

Our purpose is that Papatūānuku Thrives.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-mahuta, Toitū te marae a Tangaroa, Toitū te tangata.
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

Randstad Award 2016 winner.

Staff profiles

Read interviews with some of our staff.

Our work

Our conservation work includes:

  • biodiversity and natural heritage management
  • bringing our historic heritage to life
  • managing recreation facilities and promoting participation in recreation
  • working with community groups and business to increase participation in conservation
  • working with whanau, hapu and iwi to build a living treaty partnership based on shared values for the benefit of Aotearoa/New Zealand
  • helping others engage in conservation
  • working with businesses operating on conservation land
  • compliance and law enforcement.

Our culture

Our people have a shared vision to make New Zealand the greatest living space on Earth.

We work together and aim in the same direction, supporting and assisting each other. We build on our strengths.

We support our staff by providing:

  • safe working conditions
  • a working environment where the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are upheld
  • a commitment to diversity in our workforce
  • an inclusive workplace culture
  • a workplace where your aims and aspirations are recognised
  • career development and training opportunities
  • access to staff subsidies and benefits.

Career development

We provide employees with a comprehensive range of development and training opportunities. We offer training, coaching and secondment opportunities both nationally and internationally. 

Study assistance

Our permanent employees can apply for study assistance for study relevant to their work. If successful, we subsidise course costs, and employees can take time off to attend lectures, complete assignments, study and sit exams.

Flexible hours

Depending on the circumstances, staff may be able to negotiate flexible working hours.

Staff benefits and subsidies

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

EAP helps employees who have work-related or personal problems that may be disrupting their life at work and at home. The service provides free professional and confidential counselling by trained counsellors.

Retirement savings schemes

  • KiwiSaver – a voluntary, long-term savings initiative to help set you up for your retirement.
  • Government Superannuation Fund, National Provident Fund and State Sector Retirement Savings Scheme are closed to new members, but we contribute to these schemes for new staff with existing membership.

Medical insurance

We offer access to medical insurance through Southern Cross Healthcare and Accuro Health Insurance. Both schemes offer reduced premiums to our employees.

Eye care

Eye tests are provided. When eyewear is needed to perform duties, we reimburse up to $450.

Discounts and deals

Our staff receive:

  • free accommodation in our backcountry huts and campsites
  • 20% off selected products at our visitor centres
  • travel and accommodation discounts
  • outdoor apparel and gear discounts.

Social clubs

Our social clubs are alive and well in many locations around New Zealand. Activities include: dragon boating, lunchtime netball, poetry competitions, movie/games/quiz nights, themed happy hours and charity fundraisers.

Union representation

We work with two unions that represent staff.

Public Services Association (PSA)

PSA covers our permanent, temporary and casual employees except for members of senior leadership teams.

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