Field-Lead Ranger: Heritage & Visitor Projects

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Te Anau; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai in Te Anau seeks a Ranger Project Lead - Heritage and Visitors to drive field-based conservation and visitor infrastructure across the lower South Island. You’ll lead on-site delivery, manage resources, and mentor a small team, ensuring safety and high-quality outcomes.

You’ll coordinate tracks, huts, heritage assets and partnerships from Milford to Rakiura, with a hands-on, front-line approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in building or construction, gained through either a trade qualification or practical field-based work.
• Experience operating machinery, including chainsaws and diggers.
• Experience leading projects or coordinating operational work programmes.
• Strong planning, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading teams and creating positive working environments.
• Confidence working in backcountry, remote or outdoor environments.
• Experience with heritage assets, visitor infrastructure or conservation projects.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Current full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Leading practical infrastructure, heritage and visitor projects from planning through to delivery.
• Coordinating resources, work programmes and project priorities across the district.
• Providing day-to-day leadership and direction for project staff in the field.
• Working alongside teams to deliver real on-the-ground outcomes (not just managing from behind a desk).
• Monitoring project timelines, budgets, risks and performance.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, contractors and community partners.

Skills

Construction background

Machinery operation

Project leadership

Planning & organization

Team leadership

Backcountry experience

Heritage assets experience

Stakeholder relationships

NZ driver licence

Job description

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai in Te Anau seeks a Ranger Project Lead - Heritage and Visitors to drive field-based conservation and visitor infrastructure across the lower South Island. You’ll lead on-site delivery, manage resources, and mentor a small team, ensuring safety and high-quality outcomes.

You’ll coordinate tracks, huts, heritage assets and partnerships from Milford to Rakiura, with a hands-on, front-line approach.