Senior Adviser Operations | Christchurch

Job Description

Job title: Senior Adviser Operations

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Christchurch (Burnside)

Salary band & range: General Salary Range D - $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Biosecurity New Zealand is seeking an Operations Senior Adviser to support the delivery of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme. This role sits within the Pest Management Programmes Group, which leads high-profile national programmes to protect New Zealand's environment, economy, and way of life from established pests and diseases.

You will oversee the effective delivery of operational control work to ensure it is prioritised, coordinated and safe. You'll manage relationships with operational partners and work collaboratively to improve operations and resolve issues. You'll also have strategic oversight of long-term planning and contribute to evidence-based improvements through engagement with the Operational and Technical Advisory Groups. Regular travel will be required.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with partner organisations and stakeholders.
• Delivering operational systems, policies, and procedures for the programme.
• Coordinating programme partners and support regional councils in operational planning.
• Leading resolution of operational issues and implement health & safety practices.
• Supporting development of Good Practice Guidelines and strategic planning frameworks.
• Ensuring ongoing evaluation and improvement of the work programme.
• Providing technical support and share learnings across pest management programmes.
• Supporting the Team Manager with analysis, reporting, advice, and collaborative delivery.
• Contributing to response activity and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You - Mōu

You'll bring strong judgement, strategic thinking, and technical expertise in pest or forestry management. You'll be a confident communicator and relationship builder, with experience navigating complex stakeholder environments. You'll be comfortable leading operational planning and contributing to national priorities.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience in pest management, forestry operations, or a related field.
• Strong operational planning and coordination skills, with a focus on safety and effectiveness.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with experience working across central and local government, iwi, industry, and community groups.
• Strategic thinking and judgement, with the ability to prioritise and plan long-term control work.
• Ability to resolve complex operational issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with health and safety legislation and good practice in field operations.
• Strong communication skills – written and verbal – with the ability to influence and collaborate.
• Experience in project or programme delivery, including monitoring, reporting, and risk management.
• A tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline.

You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or restricted) or equivalent full foreign drivers licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(s) for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll be based in Christchurch and join a passionate and engaged team which is distributed across across Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington and Auckland. The team works closely with regional councils, DOC, industry bodies, landowners, community trusts, and other government teams to deliver effective pest management outcomes. We collaborate regularly, travel to field sites, and contribute to strategic planning and ministerial decision-making.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 5 July 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Olivia.Murphy@mpi.govt.nz 

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