Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is on a mission to transform Aotearoa/New Zealand’s wild places by removing pest animals and we are well-positioned to do so, building on our established reputation as predator free ‘doers’.
Te Tūranga/The Position:
ZIP’s elimination work is highly dynamic, needing to adapt and respond to new and evolving context. The Operational Planner position is responsible for leading ZIP’s operational planning, filling the critical role of translating ZIP’s strategy into practical work plans enabling effective operational delivery.
Effective operational planning, resource allocation, and scenario modelling is crucial for enabling ZIP to remain agile and support successful delivery of ZIP’s work program.
Ngā Mahi me Ngā Kawenga/Tasks & Responsibilities:
Lead the coordination of all of ZIP’s operational planning. Working closely with project teams to evolve plans with new learning, development and constraints to support successful delivery of operational outcomes on time and within budget. This will include but not limited to:
Develop and maintain annual work plans including timelines, milestones, key decision points and associated operational budgets
Develop and maintain multi-year operational project plans to support delivery of ZIP’s strategic outcomes
Supporting the tracking of progress, budgets, risks and decision points
Timely identification and communication of potential risks or constraints arising that may impact delivery of outcomes
Development and due diligence of project planning scenarios to support decision making. Providing recommendations to leadership with context on the options, implications and timeline of key decision points.
Working closely with ZIP’s development team to ensure the integration of ZIP’s operational and development work programmes.
A full job description is available on request.
Ngā Pūkenga me te Wheako/Skills and Experience:
Proven experience planning operational projects, and experience with operational planning tools and reporting frameworks.
A background in conservation or pest management is desirable.
A natural relationship-builder, excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to adapt communication to suit any audience and foster effective relationships across the ZIP team.
Able to think laterally, manage several work streams in parallel and adapt to a sometimes fast-evolving research and development context.
Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic working environment, where work priorities can shift rapidly due to new context or external influences. Willing and able to occasionally work outside normal office hours
Mō Mātou/About ZIP:
A not-for-profit organisation that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, ZIP has grown from an ambitious start-up established by the NEXT Foundation and the Department of Conservation to a credible, highly capable independent company of 90 passionate practitioners, scientists, engineers and enablers.
Most of our current mahi is focussed in the rainforests of South Westland, the drylands of Aoraki/Mount Cook, on Rakiura/Stewart Island and assisting in the urban environment of Predator Free Wellington. We are ready to accelerate into the next phase of growth and therefore need to scale the size of our team accordingly. For more information on our achievements to date, visit zip.org.nz.
Te ahurea o te Tima/The Team Culture:
People – our team, conservation partners and other stakeholders – are always our number one priority, without exception. We are caring, connected, empowered and innovative.
ZIPs team culture is about prioritising wellbeing, health and safety, and building strong internal connections. We value open communication, shared ownership, and supporting each other to meet challenges and achieve our conservation mission.
All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
Please apply online via Seek. We will be accepting applications until midday on Friday 14th August or until a suitable candidate is found. We will be reviewing applications as they come in.
For a full job description or more information, please email careers@zip.org.nz, with the position title as the subject line, providing your name and a contact phone number.
| Applications close: | Friday 14th August |
|---|---|
| Apply: | Via Seek |
| Reference: | Operations Planner |
| Salary band: | $80,000 – $100,000 per year + travel opportunties |