Ranger Community Treaty Implementation – Department of Conservation – Rotorua or Whakatane

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

Job summary

A government conservation agency is seeking a Treaty Implementation Ranger in Rotorua to enhance relationships with Iwi and coordinate conservation projects. The role demands excellent communication and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while operating under Treaty principles. It offers a salary ranging from $68,878 to $87,265, and promotes flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Diverse and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with Iwi and balancing priorities.
• Ability to coordinate large scale conservation projects.
• Current full NZ driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain positive relationships with local Iwi.
• Develop and review agreements and plans.
• Coordinate conservation projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder relationship management

Communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Project coordination

Job description

• 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 ranges from $68,878 to $87,265 depending on skills and experience

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As our next Treaty Implementation Ranger, you will play a key part in helping the district operations team maintain strong, positive relationships with local Iwi and uphold our Treaty settlement responsibilities. It will involve clarifying our obligations, identifying any gaps in delivery, and working alongside both iwi and the DOC operations team to strengthen collective understanding and capability.

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

You’ll play a key role in various tasks, including:

• 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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone who is relationally driven and passionate about supporting a positive team culture. You will have great communication and engagement skills allowing a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You will know how to engage effectively with mana whenua and how to balance competing priorities to ensure the effective delivery of 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 co-ordinate 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 co-ordinate 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 driver’s 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.

Tonoa inaiānei | 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 being based on their 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 8th October 2025.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Jason Hohepa, Kaitohu Matua Treaty Partner Relationships, at [e-mail]