DOC office worker sitting at her desk with the DOC vision and values open.

Our recruitment process

Introduction

Learn what to expect during the recruitment process and how we can support you.

1. Explore our jobs

We advertise our job vacancies on the DOC Careers Centre.

In the Careers Centre, you can:

  • explore our advertised roles and read the job descriptions to get an idea of the skills and experience we’re looking for
  • create an account
  • set up email or text alerts to be notified of new jobs when they’re listed.

Visit the Careers Centre.

If you're interested in a career at DOC and want to learn more about conservation skills and experience, visit our Pathways to working at DOC page.

2. Apply for a job

To apply for a job:

  • set up a profile at our Careers Centre. Or log in if you already have an account.
  • attach your CV
  • upload a cover letter.

We know some people may be unsure about applying if they don't meet all the requirements, but if you're excited about a job, we'd love to hear from you. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Visit Support for everyone for information about visas.

If you have any questions about the role or working at DOC before you apply, get in touch with the contact in the listing. The application close date is at the bottom of the advertisement.

Visit CVs and cover letters on careers.govt.nz if you need help with your CV or cover letter.

3. Interview

If you're shortlisted for an interview, we'll be in touch within two weeks of the advert closing. Interviews are in-person or online.

We usually follow the behavioural-based interview format. We’ll explain how you can prepare for these when we set up your interview.

Some roles require a pre-interview task. These tasks could be to prepare a presentation, or it might just be to meet the team you would be working with. We’ll give you details in advance if there is a pre-interview task. 

Visit Interviews on careers.govt.nz for guidance on how to prepare for your interview.

We also offer whanāu support for interviews. Find out more at Support for everyone.

4. Reference checks

If you progress beyond the interview, the next stage is reference checks. Our team will contact you to request referee details.

We won’t contact your referees without confirming with you first. All reference checks are confidential.

5. Offer and onboarding

Offer of employment

If you're the successful applicant, we'll call you to make a verbal offer of employment followed by a written offer through the DOC Careers Portal. You'll be able to complete all your employment forms in the Careers Portal.

Pre-employment checks

All our staff are required to do a Ministry of Justice criminal convictions history check.

We may need to do other pre-employment background checks, depending on the role. These could include the following:

  • Drug testing
  • Health questionnaire
  • Safety check
  • Workforce assurance check
  • Qualification check
  • Credit check

All pre-employment checks are confidential.

Support for everyone

We aim to create a workplace that is diverse, fair, and welcoming to all. Let us know if you need any help or assistance during the recruitment process, or if you have any accessibility needs for the interview.

Whānau support

You’re welcome to bring support to your interview, such as whānau (family, including kaumātua) or other people you feel safe with.

This will give you the chance to show us that you have the skills and experience for the job. You and your whānau can be assured that you have been treated in an inclusive and safe manner, respectful of your cultural values.

Download the Whānau or family support interviews factsheet (PDF, 202K).

Working at DOC on a visa

We accept international applicants that hold a valid visa to work in New Zealand. The length of the work must be covered by the duration of the visa. The job advertisement will state if international applications are welcome.

As a public sector employer, we have an obligation to fill any vacancy with a qualified applicant who has the right to work in New Zealand. If there are no suitable domestic candidates, we have 'Accredited Employer' status which allows us to recruit overseas applicants, if criteria are met. Visit Immigration NZ for more information.

Contact us

For questions about the recruitment process or if you have any difficulty applying, contact us at careers@doc.govt.nz.