Ranger Community Treaty Implementation

Department of Conservation (DOC); Rotorua; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation agency is seeking a Treaty Implementation Ranger to maintain positive relationships with local Iwi and uphold Treaty responsibilities. The role includes planning joint conservation projects, managing agreements, and supporting Ngāti Rangitihi's conservation goals. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, stakeholder engagement abilities, and a full NZ drivers' licence. This is a fixed-term role based in Rotorua or Whakatane, with a salary range of $68,878 to $87,265.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Diversity and inclusion culture

Qualifications

• Strong skills in engaging with mana whenua.
• Ability to balance differing perspectives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Capacity to coordinate large-scale conservation projects.
• Current full NZ drivers' licence.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate joint conservation projects.
• Draft management plans and agreements.
• Organise cultural and conservation workshops.
• Participate in occasional field work.
• Incorporate Ngāti Rangitihi aspirations into DOC projects.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Project coordination

Job description

Overview

12-month fixed term/secondment opportunity, Rotorua or Whakatane based.

Bring your stakeholder relationship management skills to this purpose-rich, Iwi-focused role. Take a Kaupapa Māori approach to delivering conservation, with opportunity to effect deep and positive change.

The salary range is $68,878 to $87,265 depending on skills and experience.

About the role

As our next Treaty Implementation Ranger, you will help the district operations team maintain strong, positive relationships with local Iwi and uphold our Treaty settlement responsibilities. This includes clarifying our obligations, identifying gaps in delivery, and working with iwi and the DOC operations team to strengthen collective understanding and capability.

A central focus of the role is partnering with Ngāti Rangitihi environmental leads to support their conservation goals and ensure DOC meets its commitments under the Ngāti Rangitihi Treaty Settlement Act.

You will play a key role in the following tasks:

• planning and coordinating joint conservation projects
• drafting management plans and agreements
• organising cultural and conservation workshops (wānanga)
• participating in occasional field work
• ensuring the long-term aspirations of Ngāti Rangitihi are factored into DOC’s Biodiversity, Recreation, and Community programs

Click here for the Role Description

Skills and experience

We are looking for someone relationally driven and passionate about supporting a positive team culture. You will have strong communication and engagement skills, with self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You will know how to engage effectively with mana whenua and balance competing priorities to deliver joint conservation projects.

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• Able to engage and support aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi and give effect to Treaty principles
• Ability to navigate and balance differing perspectives and priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to coordinate large-scale conservation projects involving several organisations and stakeholders
• Ability to scope work arising from Treaty settlements and operationalize conservation and commercial opportunities for Iwi
• Ability to coordinate regular meetings with whānau, hapū and iwi to develop, review and implement relevant agreements, plans and frameworks
• Skills to support opportunities for whānau, hapū and iwi to build their capabilities to practice their responsibilities as kaitiaki
• Current full NZ drivers’ licence

What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

How to apply

Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on relevant skills and experience.

(SECONDMENT ONLY) You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 8 October 2025.

Questions

For further enquiries, please contact Jason Hohepa, Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships, at [e-mail].