· Aotearoa’s leading private land conservation organisation
· Work with a variety of ecosystem types and landscapes
· Great work/life balance with contracting hours
Do you want to help secure the protection of our unique natural and cultural heritage on private land for the benefit of all New Zealanders?
QEII National Trust is looking for an independent contractor to act as our regional representative in the Central Otago region. The contract is for up to 800 hours per year and will cover the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District Council areas and western edges of the Clutha and Waitaki District Council areas.
Regional representatives (reps) work closely with landowners to achieve protection of native biodiversity, landscape, and other special values on private land, provide valuable ecological and land management advice and support, and assist landowners in meeting their covenant stewardship obligations. This work involves field-based assessments of the values and threats present and preparing information for consideration by the executive. Reps also work closely with our ecological and legal advisors in the Wellington office.
A sound ecological understanding of Central Otago ecosystems, indigenous flora, fauna, and the threats and pressures they face is desirable. Alongside, a proven ability to build lasting partnerships across multiple sectors (including with regional councils, territorial authorities, iwi, and local community groups), comfort accessing and working alone in remote backcountry areas is necessary. Experience working with landowners and applying practical and resourceful land management solutions would be an advantage.
The successful Central Otago applicant would be engaged as an independent contractor for up to 800 hours per year. The successful applicant would supply a home/office set-up and suitable vehicle with mileage reimbursed based on the IRD rate. A candidate living within the Central Otago region is strongly preferred.
About us – QEII National Trust - Ngā Kairauhī Papa
Our mission is to support and inspire people to protect and enhance special places, creating a network of thriving natural landscapes with communities closely connected to them. Almost 70% of New Zealand is in private ownership, so protecting biodiversity and heritage on private land is critical to reversing the decline of indigenous biodiversity and preserving our history.
We are an independent statutory organisation and a registered charity that partners with private landowners to protect sites on their land with covenants. A covenant is an agreement between QEII and a landowner to protect land forever. The landowner continues to own and manage the protected land, and the covenant and protection stays on the land, even when the property is sold to a new owner.
Our partnerships have created a growing network of over 5,300 protected areas throughout Aotearoa. These covenants protect more than 190,000 ha of private land and play a key role as a refuge for some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered biodiversity and ecosystems.
How to apply
If this contracting opportunity sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! To apply please send your cover letter and CV to contracting@qeii.org.nz by 9 am Monday 18th May 2026.
You must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand to apply.
The services and requirements of the contract are available on our website and can also be found here - https://bit.ly/4cZku6E
If you have any questions or for more information on the position, please email contracting@qeii.org.nz.