Ranger Community - Tongariro (Fixed term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Ohakune; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Ohakune is seeking a Community Ranger to inspire and empower communities to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity. You’ll work with whānau, hapū, iwi and partners to support conservation outcomes across the Tongariro District, based in Ohakune with regional travel.

This role focuses on building relationships, enabling community-led conservation and Kaitiakitanga initiatives, and delivering lasting benefits for people and nature.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Relationship building

Stakeholder engagement

Community collaboration

Verbal & written communication

Judgment & problem-solving

Autonomy

Organization

Attention to detail

MS Office / IT skills

Te ao Māori / Treaty partnership

Driver license (NZ)

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

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

If you are a people-focused professional with a passion for conservation and community engagement, and have a talent for building strong relationships, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• 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?

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. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

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