Ranger Community - Tongariro (Fixed term)

New Zealand Government; Taihape; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Ohakune, Tongariro District, is seeking a Community Ranger to inspire and empower local communities, whānau, hapū, iwi to protect biodiversity and lead conservation initiatives.

Based in Ohakune, you will build partnerships, support community-led projects, travel across the region, and help deliver kaimahi with Treaty partners. Salary ranges from $65,590 to $76,589, fixed-term through May 2027.

Qualifications

• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with communities, whānau, hapū, iwi, or other partners.
• Strong verbal and written communication, including meetings and presentations.
• Sound judgement, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a team.
• Excellent organisational skills with multiple priorities.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow processes and statutory requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computer systems.
• Respect for te ao Māori and partnership with Treaty partners.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.
• Desirable: mana whenua experience.
• Experience in community or stakeholder engagement or volunteer coordination.
• Knowledge of conservation, biodiversity, or environmental projects.
• Project coordination or people leadership experience.
• Competency in te reo Māori or willingness to develop.
• Relevant tertiary qualification.

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

Community collaboration

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Autonomy

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

MS Office

Te ao Māori

Driver licence

Mana whenua

Community engagement

Volunteer coordination

Conservation knowledge

Project coordination

People leadership

Te reo Māori

Tertiary qualification

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

MS 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

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

• 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.

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]