Ranger Project Lead, Community

Public Service; Hokitika; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Hokitika invites applications for a Ranger Project Lead, Community. This full-time role leads statutory processes on public conservation land and strengthens community partnerships, based in Hokitika.

You will engage with iwi, concessionaires, authorities and local groups to advance conservation outcomes, mentor colleagues, and represent DOC in cross-agency initiatives. Salary ranges from $69,429 to $88,181 NZD depending on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Strong background in statutory processes, resource management, concessions and compliance monitoring.
• Strong relationship management and negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in community engagement, consultation, or event planning.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information clearly.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti partnership and engagement with tangata whenua.
• A current full New Zealand driver licence.
• Drone pilot experience, 4WD certification and mining operations knowledge would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead statutory management activities on public conservation land, assessing applications.
• Represent DOC in planning processes and build community awareness.
• Undertake site inspections to monitor compliance with approvals and conditions.
• Engage with Treaty partners, concessionaires, local authorities, and communities.
• Collaborate with district teams to deliver integrated conservation outcomes.

Skills

Statutory processes

Resource management

Concessions

Compliance monitoring

Relationship management

Negotiation

Community engagement

Report writing

Te Tiriti partnership

Driver licence

Drone piloting

4WD certification

Mining knowledge

Job description

# Ranger Project Lead, Community at Department of Conservation, West Coast## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Lead key statutory processes associated with activities on private and public conservation land.* Grow relationships through engagement with stakeholders, concessionaires, local authorities, industry, iwi/hapū, community groups and other partners.* Salary range: $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experience* Permanent full-time position based in Hokitika**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa** **Mō te tūranga | About the role** In this role, you'll be part of the Hokitika Operations Team, working across the district to lead or support statutory, advocacy, and community conservation programmes. You'll work with a variety of parties internally and externally and mentor colleagues and represent DOC in cross-agency and community initiatives. Key areas of focus for this role include:* Statutory Management - assess applications for, and manage, complex or high-risk activities on public conservation land.* Advocacy and Outreach - represent DOC's conservation interests in statutory planning, policy and Resource Management Act processes, while building community awareness and support for conservation.* Monitoring and Compliance - undertake site inspections to assess compliance with approvals and conditions, and responding to findings as required.* Stakeholder Engagement - build and maintain relationships with Treaty partners, concessionaires, local authorities, businesses, schools, community organisations, and other stakeholders.* District Collaboration - work alongside biodiversity, recreation, visitor, heritage, compliance, and operations teams to deliver integrated conservation outcomes.**Click here for the Role Description** **Click here for the Applicant Information Sheet** **Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience** If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:* Strong background and/or capability in statutory processes, resource management, concessions and compliance monitoring.* Strong relationship management and negotiation skills, and experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders.* Experience in community engagement, consultation, or event planning.* Ability to interpret and communicate technical information clearly.* Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.* Excellent writing skills, including preparing clear and concise reports, assessments, and correspondence.* Understanding of Te Tiriti partnership and comfort engaging with tangata whenua.* A current full New Zealand driver licence.* Drone pilot experience, 4WD certification and knowledge of mining operations would be advantageous.**He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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 kaimahi 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, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications or provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. **Salary**: $69,429 to $88,181 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience. **Eligibility**: to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment. **Rā whakakapi | Applications close** at 11:59 pm on Monday 2 November 2026 *Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible*. **Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries**, please contact Celine Stokowski, Principal Ranger Community and Regional Biodiversity, [e-mail]