Senior Visitor Advisor/ Kaitohu Manuhiri Matua – Department of Conservation

17th June 2026 By Advertiser | To list a job, contact us at jobs@tourismticker.com or call 0204 101 8762

Senior Visitor Advisor/ Kaitohu Manuhiri Matua

Locations: Whakatipu-wai-Māori Queenstown, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Murihiku Invercargill
Hours: Full time
Reference: JR102176

• Shape how millions of visitors experience Aotearoa’s most iconic places – while safeguarding what matters most
• Trusted senior advisor role, working alongside leaders to turn strategy into action across the region
• Permanent, full‑time position based in Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin, with regional travel

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

He angitūtanga | About the role

More than a million people visit DOC-managed places each year. As visitor expectations, travel patterns and tourism pressures evolve, DOC continues to shift toward a more strategic, integrated approach to visitor management and experience design.

As a Senior Visitor Advisor/ Kaitohu Manuhiri Matua, you will play a pivotal role in turning DOC’s Heritage & Visitor Strategy into practical, on-the-ground outcomes across the southern South Island. You’ll sit within the national Heritage & Visitor Unit, one of nine regionally based Senior Visitor Advisors, reporting to the Visitor Advice Manager.

This role will be a trusted strategic partner to regional leaders and leadership teams, supporting them to strategically prioritise, lift operational capability and continuously improve provision of visitor experiences that both protect conservation values and support DOC and stakeholder’s aspirations.

The position will be focused on:

• Supporting, advising and coaching regional leaders and teams to translate national strategy into integrated regional work programmes
• Using insight, performance data and systems thinking to identify risks, opportunities and improvement actions
• Providing strategic visitor management and experience advice across priority visitor sites and destinations
• Contributing to national and cross-regional visitor projects, system improvements and change initiatives
• Working as an honourable Treaty Partner, providing advice and engaging with Te Tiriti partners and iwi across the region

Regular regional travel and occasional national travel are required. A full driver licence is essential.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You’ll be comfortable operating in complex environments, influencing at pace and building credibility with leaders.

If you have some of the following, we’re keen to hear from you:

• Strong understanding of visitor, recreation, tourism or destination management, ideally within Aotearoa New Zealand
• Proven experience advising, influencing and partnering with at all levels of leadership and diverse stakeholders
• Ability to apply strategic thinking using insights to influence complex projects, and translate national direction into regional priorities and delivery
• Strong critical thinking skills with a solutions-focused and continuous improvement mindset
• Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with the ability to work in partnership with iwi, hapū and whānau
• Highly developed collaboration skills, with the ability to coach, mentor and support others

Desirable:

• Experience in visitor planning, destination management, tourism, travel or related sectors

Click here for the position description.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Staff benefits: Working at DOC

Salary: $92,912–$117,570, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Keen to jump aboard our waka and be at the forefront of continuous improvement of DOCs visitor experience?

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role.

Click here to apply for this role.

We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted for interview.

Applications close 11:59pm on Monday 29 June 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place on the 14 July 2026. A case study exercise will be included as part of the selection process.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Hiring Manager Lynnell Greer at lgreer@doc.govt.nz

About Us

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 across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams – we have a diverse range of roles.

Read more about DOC