Ranger Community - Tongariro (Fixed term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Ohakune; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) in Ohakune invites applications for a Community Ranger. The role focuses on building relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and local communities to support conservation outcomes in the Tongariro District.

It is a fixed-term, full-time position based in Ohakune, with travel across the region to engage with partners and communities. You will empower communities to lead conservation and Kaitiakitanga initiatives, working with Treaty partners and

Qualifications

• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Experience working with communities, whānau, hapū, iwi, or partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including meetings and presentations.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a team.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, community groups and stakeholders.
• Support community-led conservation, restoration and Kaitiakitanga initiatives.
• Work with partners to develop projects reflecting shared aspirations and Treaty commitments.
• Promote conservation programmes and encourage community participation in protecting biodiversity.
• Travel regionally to attend hui and work with partners and colleagues.

Skills

Relationship-building

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Autonomy within team

Driver license

Education

Tertiary qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Do you have a passion for conservation and a talent for bringing people together? We’re looking for a Community Ranger who can inspire, engage and empower others to protect and restore Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. Join us in making a real difference for nature and people in the Tongariro District.

$65,590 to $76,589 depending on skills and experience.

Fixed Term, full-time role through to May 2027 | based in Ohakune

Inspire conservation action, strengthen community connections, and make a lasting impact for nature.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga

About the role

Do you enjoy building relationships, bringing people together, and making a positive impact in your community? We're looking for a Community Ranger to work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi, local communities and partners to support conservation outcomes across the Tongariro District. This is an opportunity to play a key role in helping people connect with and care for some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most special places.

Based in Ohakune, you'll join our Operations team, reporting to the Principal Ranger, and help foster strong partnerships that enable community-led conservation initiatives to thrive now and into the future.

As a Community Ranger, you'll be the connection between DOC, Treaty partners, and local communities, helping develop and support projects that protect and enhance our natural environment.

You'll empower communities to lead conservation, restoration, and Kaitiakitanga initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for both people and nature.

The position will be focussed on:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, community groups and key stakeholders.
• Support and enable community-led conservation, restoration and Kaitiakitanga initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with partners to develop projects that reflect shared aspirations and Treaty commitments.
• Promote conservation programmes and encourage community participation in protecting biodiversity.
• Apply sound judgement and critical thinking to achieve positive conservation outcomes within legislative and policy frameworks.
• Contribute to long-term partnerships that create lasting benefits for people and nature.

The role involves regular travel throughout the region, including Taupō, Tūrangi, Taumarunui and occasionally Whanganui, to attend hui and work alongside partners and colleagues.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with communities, whānau, hapū, iwi, or other partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including facilitating meetings and presentations.
• Sound judgement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow processes and statutory requirements.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications and other computer-based systems.
• Respect for te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and working in partnership with Treaty partners.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

Desirable:

• Experience working with mana whenua.
• Experience in community engagement, stakeholder engagement, or volunteer coordination.
• Knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, recreation management, or environmental projects.
• Project coordination or people leadership experience.
• Competency in te reo Māori or a willingness to develop capability.
• A relevant tertiary qualification.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Want to know more? Tonoa inaiānei

Salary:

Salary: $65,590 to $76,589 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility:

You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment. Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 27th September 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai

For further enquiries, please contact Serena Taylor, Principal Ranger at [e-mail]

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC