• Join an organisation deeply committed to conservation, where your work contributes to protecting the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage or Aotearoa.
• Play a pivotal role in the Department of Conservation's digital evolution by championing a transition to Agile ways of working.
• Permanent, full-time position based in Wellington with flexible working options.

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

• protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes
• managing threats and adverse impacts
• being a voice for conservation
• connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role

The Product Owner is an essential role within the Information System Services Team (ISS) at the Department of Conservation (DOC). Reporting directly to the Team Lead Product and Platform, the Product Owner is responsible for the ownership, development, and ongoing maintenance of specific products and platforms that are critical to DOC's conservation objectives.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Proven track record in effectively managing and prioritising a product backlog to align with business objectives.
• Strong skills in engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for conveying complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Capability to use data and metrics to make informed decisions and to evaluate the success of products and platforms.
• Understanding of software development cycles, technologies, and methodologies like Agile and Scrum.
• Ability to manage complex initiatives, timelines, and resources effectively.
• Skill in utilising user feedback and user experience design principles to improve products and platforms.

Key accountabilities:

• Being responsible for the development and ongoing maintenance of owned products and platforms.
• Shaping the overall vision and goals for owned products and platforms.
• Determining the priority of individual tasks to ensure they align with the short-term and long-term goals of owned products and platforms, as directed by higher-level strategy or stakeholder input.
• Offering advice as to which features should be prioritised based on customer requirements and feedback.
• Actively participating in and contributing to periodic planning sessions in order to align team efforts with broader objectives.
• Working closely with technical experts to identify the technologies and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals of owned products and platforms.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• flexible working opportunities suited to your role
• career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance.
• great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting your 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 5 pm on Friday, 17 November 2023

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Tennile Toulson at ttoulson@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1758744