Trainer

• A fantastic opportunity to lead Ruia Te Kākano, our national induction programme for all kaimahi joining Te Papa Atawhai
  
  
• $68,878 - $87,265 pro rata
  
  
• Permanent, part-time 0.6 FTE (24 hours per week)
  
  
• Nelson, Invercargill or flexible location

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.



Mō te tūranga | About the role

The focus of this role is to lead Ruia te Kākano, our national induction programme. Most new kaimahi at Te Papa Atawhai take part in Ruia te Kākano - from field rangers to members of the senior leadership team.

Ruia te Kākano is designed to welcome new staff and support their early connection to Te Papa Atawhai’s purpose, values, and ways of working. The programme introduces key aspects of our mahi and culture, and is delivered through a blend of live online workshops, self-paced e-learning modules, and manager-led activities. It also includes a focus on te reo Māori and te ao Māori, reflecting DOC’s commitment to building cultural capability.

Many new kaimahi speak positively about their experience of Ruia te Kākano, describing it as engaging and well-structured. The programme has just been reviewed, so this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a refreshed induction experience for new employees.

The Trainer role is part of the Capability and Culture team, whose responsibilities include delivering a broad range of training and development initiatives across DOC. You’ll be working more closely alongside a team of nine based around the motu. Approximately half of the team are based in Wellington, with others located in Rotorua, Raglan, Nelson, and Te Anau.

We offer a high level of flexibility, including the option to work increased hours at certain times and less at other times. For example, some team members work more hours during the school term time and have most of the school holidays off. Others have every Friday off.

The trainer will lead the coordination and delivery of Ruia te Kākano, ensuring each cohort of new kaimahi experiences a consistently high-quality and inclusive induction. With regular facilitation at the heart of the role, it offers a rewarding rhythm where each delivery brings fresh faces, new perspectives, and the chance to shape the beginning of someone’s journey at Te Papa Atawhai.

Key tasks include:

• Lead Ruia te Kākano, our national induction programme, with support from other trainers and subject matter experts across Te Papa Atawhai
  

• Coordinate the induction enrolment process for new staff, including tracking of their induction completion
  

• Facilitate regular live workshops on Microsoft Teams, with up to 20 participants in each session
  

• Evaluate programme feedback and make necessary amendments
  

• Support the creation and rollout of additional training programmes
  

• Promote Ruia te Kākano across the wider organisation through internal stories, acknowledging the important role that people leaders have in supporting induction, and celebrating the programmes successes.
  

You will collaborate with subject matter experts and colleagues from the wider People and Culture directorate to design and deliver a variety of training programmes.

If you enjoy supporting others and have a base level of facilitation skills, particularly in an online space, this role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop and hone your training capabilities. 

This role includes some (but very infrequent) travel, so you will need to be flexible to work away from home at times.

Click here for the Role Description



Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will have a learner-focused mindset, ensuring our staff are at the heart of everything you do. You’ll also understand the importance of inclusion and diversity and using a variety of techniques to be an effective trainer, recognising that people learn and engage in different ways.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• experience with both in-person and online facilitation
  

• the ability to connect and build relationships with a wide range of people
  

• basic confident proficiency in te reo Māori, and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori tikanga.
  

• strengths in using technology, such as the Microsoft Office suite, to deliver online training
  

• strong written communication, presentation, and facilitation skills,
  

• an understanding of how to evaluate learning and adjust future sessions to enhance future capability
  

• an aptitude for solving problems and taking advantage of opportunities
  

• the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and demonstrate a high level of initiative
  

• a passion for Te Papa Atawhai's kaupapa is essential
  

Desirable:

• a broad understanding of DOC’s work or other conservation mahi
  

• current full drivers licence
  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The People and Culture Directorate supports DOC to build and be a great organisation.

Through a range of people systems and strategies we deliver a number of services across the entire employee lifecycle – from attraction, recruitment and onboarding, to training and development of managers and leaders and core conservation skills. Underpinning our approach is a desire to build an enabling culture where all our people can thrive.



He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.



Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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

The salary range for this position is $68,878.00 - $87,265.00 pro-rata 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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 19 November 2025

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Dulkara Martig, dmartig@doc.govt.nz

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