OIAD-4433
20 September 2024
Dan Moskovitz
Via email: [FYI request #28259 email]
Tēnā koe Dan
Thank you for your request to the Department of Conservation (DOC), received on 31 August
2024, in which you asked:
−
How many of the roles DoC hire for usually need ecology degrees?
−
Do these usually require a postgraduate degree? Or is an undergrad fine?
−
How many jobs has DoC advertised recommending/requiring degrees in ecology
this year?
We have considered your request under the Official Information Act 1982.
Our answers to your questions concerning Ecology degrees are as follows:
Roles Requiring Ecology Degrees
Positions that typical y require Ecology degrees are found within the E, F and G Band levels.
In the past year (31 August 2023 - 31 August 2024), 13 roles required a minimum of an
undergraduate degree in ecology.
Undergraduate vs Postgraduate Requirements
For Science or Technical Advisor roles at the Band E level, an undergraduate degree in
biological science, including ecology, is general y sufficient. For more senior roles, such as
those at Band F or Band G levels, a postgraduate qualification is often required. Specifical y,
six out of the 13 roles advertised in the past year (31 August 2023 - 31 August 2024), required
a postgraduate degree, with one of those requiring a PhD or equivalent.
Postgraduate and PhD Requirements
A Master's degree is usually seen as sufficient for most roles, especially within the Band F
level. PhD’s are generally only required for highly specialised positions, which may sometimes
be fil ed by international candidates if recruitment within New Zealand proves challenging.
One international candidate was recruited from overseas after two unsuccessful attempts to
recruit from the New Zealand market.
The total number of roles advertised at DOC over the last year which recommended/required
the successful candidate to have an ecology degree was: Six
Page 1 of 2
In summary, while there is a demand for ecology qualifications at DOC, the specific level of degree
required varies depending on the role’s seniority and specialisation.
Please note that this letter (with your personal details removed) may be published on the
Department’s website.
Nāku noa, nā
Karyn Thompson
Chief People Officer
Department of Conservation
Te Papa Atawhai
Page 2 of 2
Document Outline
- Roles Requiring Ecology Degrees
- Positions that typically require Ecology degrees are found within the E, F and G Band levels. In the past year (31 August 2023 - 31 August 2024), 13 roles required a minimum of an undergraduate degree in ecology.
- Undergraduate vs Postgraduate Requirements
- For Science or Technical Advisor roles at the Band E level, an undergraduate degree in biological science, including ecology, is generally sufficient. For more senior roles, such as those at Band F or Band G levels, a postgraduate qualification is oft...
- Postgraduate and PhD Requirements
- A Master's degree is usually seen as sufficient for most roles, especially within the Band F level. PhD’s are generally only required for highly specialised positions, which may sometimes be filled by international candidates if recruitment within Ne...
- One international candidate was recruited from overseas after two unsuccessful attempts to recruit from the New Zealand market.
- The total number of roles advertised at DOC over the last year which recommended/required the successful candidate to have an ecology degree was: Six
- In summary, while there is a demand for ecology qualifications at DOC, the specific level of degree required varies depending on the role’s seniority and specialisation.
