Project Lead, Treaty and Community

New Zealand Government; Palmerston North; Hybrid; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Palmerston North base

Permanent role

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking an experienced relationship and project leader to join our Manawatu Operations District team in Palmerston North. You will lead strategic projects, strengthen partnerships with iwi, hapu, councils, and communities, and help deliver regional conservation priorities through Treaty commitments.

Success comes from building trusted relationships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and delivering projects from planning through to delivery, with

Qualifications

• Experience building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong project management or programme delivery experience.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and achieve outcomes in complex environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with communities, iwi, hapu, councils, or external organisations.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and willingness to build capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and collaborative projects that deliver conservation and community outcomes.
• Build and maintain trusted partnerships with iwi, hapu, councils, and community groups.
• Support Treaty settlement obligations and partnership commitments across the district.
• Bring diverse groups together to navigate complex issues and identify shared solutions.
• Provide guidance on stakeholder engagement, Treaty relationships, and partnership approaches.
• Identify opportunities, manage risks, and shape priorities for conservation outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Project delivery

Partnership work

Communication skills

Treaty knowledge

Analytical thinking

Job description

Lead strategic partnerships and projects for nature and communitiesPartner with iwi, communities and stakeholders to deliver outcomesSalary range: $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experiencePermanent Opportunity | based in Palmerston North, with flexible working optionsHelp shape conservation outcomes through Treaty partnership, community collaboration, and strategic project leadership.Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaMo te turanga | About the roleThe Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. We're looking for an experienced relationship and project leader to join our Manawatu Operations District team.This is a highly collaborative role where you'll bring people together to achieve shared outcomes. Working across iwi, hapu, local government, community organisations, and partner agencies, you'll lead strategic projects, strengthen partnerships, support Treaty commitments, and help deliver regional conservation priorities.Success in this role comes from building trusted relationships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and driving projects from planning through to delivery.Key areas of focus include:Leading strategic and collaborative projects that deliver conservation and community outcomes.Building and maintaining trusted partnerships with iwi, hapu, councils, community groups, and other stakeholders.Supporting the implementation of Treaty settlement obligations and partnership commitments across the district.Bringing diverse groups together to navigate complex issues and identify shared solutions.Providing advice and guidance on stakeholder engagement, Treaty relationships, and partnership approaches.Identifying opportunities, managing risks, and helping shape priorities that strengthen conservation outcomes.Supporting teams to build confidence and capability when working with Treaty partners and external stakeholders.Contributing to regional and national initiatives through effective collaboration and influence.Click here for the Role DescriptionPlease note, while the role description is titled 'Ranger Project Lead, Community', the advertised title reflects the role's significant Treaty partnership responsibilities.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceWe're interested in people who bring experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement, project delivery, or partnership-based work.If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:Experience building and maintaining trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.Strong project management or programme delivery experience, including coordinating multiple workstreams and priorities.The ability to influence, collaborate, and achieve outcomes in complex environments.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Experience working in partnership with communities, iwi, hapu, councils, or other external organisations.Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgement, and an ability to navigate ambiguity and competing interests.Experience providing advice, guidance, or leadership to others.Experience applying analytical thinking to interpret legislation, statutory management frameworks, policy, and complex information to support sound decision-making.An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a willingness to continue building your knowledge and capability in this space.Knowledge of conservation, natural resource management, community developmentA current full New Zealand driver licenceHe aha nga painga mou? | What's in it for you?DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.Want to know more?Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.Salary: $69,429 - $88,181, depending on skills and experience.Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 26th OctoberMe he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]