Franz Josef Community Engagement Lead (Conservation)

Zero Invasive Predators Limited; Franz Josef; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is seeking a Community Lead for the Predator Free South Westland project based in Franz Josef Glacier. You will lead the community team, cultivate relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and ensure engagement informs conservation planning.

You will work across operational and strategic initiatives, collaborating with ZIP teams and iwi partners to integrate community perspectives into decision-making and landowner access arrangements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in community development, community engagement or stakeholder relations, ideally within conservation, environmental or community-focused organisations.
• Experience working with iwi, Māori communities or te ao Māori contexts, with understanding of partnership principles and cultural responsiveness.
• Project management skills with the capacity to manage multiple engagement activities and initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences and build trust across different community groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead the community team (2-3 staff).
• Build and nurture relationships with local communities, iwi, landowners, farmers, tourism operators and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate community consultation processes and ensure meaningful participation in conservation planning and implementation.
• Gather feedback and insights from communities to inform programme development and continuously improve engagement approaches.
• Work collaboratively with ZIP teams to integrate community perspectives into operational planning and decision-making.
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with landowners to secure necessary property access and permissions for achieving PFSW objectives.

Skills

Community engagement

Stakeholder relations

Team leadership

Project management

Cultural responsiveness

Job description

Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is seeking a Community Lead for the Predator Free South Westland project based in Franz Josef Glacier. You will lead the community team, cultivate relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and ensure engagement informs conservation planning.

You will work across operational and strategic initiatives, collaborating with ZIP teams and iwi partners to integrate community perspectives into decision-making and landowner access arrangements.