Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage And Visitors

New Zealand Government; Southland; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

DOC is seeking a Ranger – Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors in Te Anau, Southland. This permanent role leads the Region's Fit-for-Purpose programme, coordinating projects that improve assets and infrastructure to keep them fit for purpose.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop plans with timelines and budgets, monitor progress, report milestones, and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Salary ranges NZD 69,429 – 88,181 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Natural leader with background in conservation, environmental operations, asset management, or project delivery.
• Thrive in dynamic environments with structure, collaboration, and a practical approach.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the delivery of operational initiatives and infrastructure projects
• Coordinating cross‑functional teams and resources to achieve project outcomes
• Providing leadership in the field and fostering a positive team environment
• Developing project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk assessments
• Monitoring progress and reporting on project milestones and performance
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Identifying and managing project risks, issues, and opportunities
• Supporting continuous improvement and effective project delivery practices

Skills

Leadership

Conservation

Project delivery

Cross-functional collaboration

Driver licence

Job description

Work on meaningful projects that protect and enhance our backyard.

Permanent roles available. Salary range: $69,429 - $88,181 dependent on experience. Te Anau based – live and work on the doorstep of Fiordland National Park.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga.

About the role

The Department of Conservation protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Our Regional Operations Group delivers the frontline conservation work that protects and enhances the places, species, and ecosystems entrusted to DOC. Reporting to the Principal Ranger, the Ranger – Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors will provide support in delivering operational initiatives across the Te Anau District. This role is responsible for leading the Region's Fit-for-Purpose programme, coordinating projects that improve assets and infrastructure to ensure they are fit for purpose and aligned with operational priorities.

• Supporting the delivery of operational initiatives and infrastructure projects
• Coordinating cross‑functional teams and resources to achieve project outcomes
• Providing leadership in the field and fostering a positive team environment
• Developing project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk assessments
• Monitoring progress and reporting on project milestones and performance
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Identifying and managing project risks, issues, and opportunities
• Supporting continuous improvement and effective project delivery practices

Skills and experience

You're a natural leader with a background in conservation, environmental operations, asset management, or project delivery. You thrive in dynamic environments and bring structure, collaboration, and a practical approach to achieving outcomes.

• Knowledge of conservation management, visitor assets, infrastructure, or operational delivery within a complex environment
• Experience leading or coordinating projects and programmes from planning through to implementation and reporting
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes and budgets
• Experience using project, asset, or operational management systems to support planning, delivery, and reporting
• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with whānau, hapū, iwi, communities, businesses, contractors, and partner organisations
• Practical experience in conservation operations, asset maintenance, construction, or infrastructure delivery would be advantageous
• A proactive and solutions‑focused approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement
• A current full New Zealand driver licence

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: $69,429 – $88,181, 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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 11th October.

Location: Te Anau, Southland, NZ

For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail].