Ranger Biodiversity: Lead Conservation Projects

Department of Conservation NZ; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation NZ in Thames, North Island seeks a Ranger Biodiversity to lead biodiversity programmes and manage conservation projects. The role focuses on planning, coordinating, and delivering initiatives that protect indigenous species and ecosystems, while mentoring others and building team capability.

You will work with iwi, communities, and stakeholders to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes, with a strong emphasis on compliance, safety, and effective programme delivery.

Qualifications

• Experienced conservation professional with strong technical knowledge and ability to develop, manage and complete projects.
• Proven experience in project management and delivery.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, compliance requirements, permissions framework and departmental operational procedures.
• Knowledge of species management, habitat restoration, and animal pest control operations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with iwi, stakeholders, communities, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated leadership including mentoring and developing others.
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities with the ability to prioritise tasks and work independently.
• Commitment to health, safety and wellbeing with safe work practices in operational settings.
• Good digital literacy and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partnership with iwi.
• Current full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage biodiversity projects and work programmes related to animal threats, compliance, and wetland management.
• Develop and deliver conservation projects, focusing on capability building within the team.
• Support the delivery of annual work plans and priorities.
• Apply biodiversity expertise across monitoring, species management, restoration, and conservation planning.
• Ensure work complies with legislative and departmental requirements.
• Lead animal pest control operations, including planning, delivery, monitoring and reporting.
• Build strong partnerships with iwi and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Biodiversity project delivery

Project management

Legislation & compliance

Species management

Habitat restoration

Animal pest control operations

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership & mentoring

Health & safety

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

NZ Driver Licence (current)

Tools

Four-wheel drive

Light Utility Vehicle operation

Job description

Department of Conservation NZ in Thames, North Island seeks a Ranger Biodiversity to lead biodiversity programmes and manage conservation projects. The role focuses on planning, coordinating, and delivering initiatives that protect indigenous species and ecosystems, while mentoring others and building team capability.

You will work with iwi, communities, and stakeholders to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes, with a strong emphasis on compliance, safety, and effective programme delivery.