Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors

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

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Te Anau is seeking a Ranger Project Lead - Heritage and Visitors to drive field-first conservation and visitor infrastructure across the lower South Island, including Great Walks like Milford, Kepler or Routeburn.

You will lead a small fixed-term team, plan and deliver projects from planning to delivery, monitor timelines and budgets, and build strong relationships with whanau, iwi and partners while working in remote backcountry locations.

Qualifications

• Experience in building or construction, gained through a trade qualification or practical field-based work.
• Experience operating machinery, including chainsaws and diggers.
• A passion for conserving and enhancing huts, tracks and heritage sites.
• Experience leading projects or coordinating operational work programmes.
• Strong planning, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading teams and creating positive working environments.
• Experience working in backcountry, remote or outdoor environments.
• Experience with heritage assets, visitor infrastructure or conservation projects.
• Ability to build effective relationships with whanau, hapu, iwi, communities and partner organisations.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Current full New Zealand driver licence.
• Experience around helicopters and vessels would also be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Leading practical infrastructure, heritage and visitor projects from planning through to delivery.
• Coordinating resources, work programmes and project priorities across the district.
• Providing day-to-day leadership and direction for project staff in the field.
• Working alongside teams to deliver real on-the-ground outcomes.
• Monitoring project timelines, budgets, risks and performance.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, contractors and community partners.

Skills

Project leadership

Construction background

Backcountry experience

Planning & Organisation

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Driver license

Heritage assets knowledge

Tools

Chainsaws

Diggers

Job description

Lead field-based conservation projects from Fiordland to RakiuraMonday to Friday role with a mix of front country and backcountry workPermanent role | Salary range - $69,429 - $88,181 dependent on experienceBased in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National ParkCombine your practical building or construction background with project leadership and field-based conservation workOur vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaMo te turanga | About the roleAs Ranger Project Lead - Heritage and Visitors, you'll take a field-first approach to project delivery - spending around 75% of your time on site leading conservation and visitor infrastructure projects across the lower South Island. One week you could be coordinating track or hut improvements on iconic Great Walks (such as Milford, Kepler or Routeburn), the next working alongside field teams on heritage structures, visitor assets, or infrastructure projects stretching from Oamaru to Rakiura.Reporting to the Principal Ranger, you'll lead DOC's Fit-for-Purpose programme across the Te Anau District, ensuring assets and infrastructure are safe, fit for purpose, and support outstanding visitor experiences and conservation outcomes.You'll have the autonomy to plan, prioritise and deliver your work programme, while also leading a small team of fixed-term staff working on projects across the district.The position will also include:Leading practical infrastructure, heritage and visitor projects from planning through to deliveryCoordinating resources, work programmes and project priorities across the districtProviding day-to-day leadership and direction for project staff in the fieldWorking alongside teams to deliver real on-the-ground outcomes (not just managing from behind a desk)Monitoring project timelines, budgets, risks and performanceBuilding strong relationships with internal teams, contractors and community partnersSupporting conservation initiatives in some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most remote and remarkable locationsClick here for the Role DescriptionPlease note that DOC housing is not available for this position and rental accommodation in Te Anau can be limited. Many staff choose to commute from surrounding areas such as Mossburn, Manapouri and Lumsden.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceWe're looking for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and leading from the front. You may come from a conservation, building, infrastructure, construction, asset management, forestry or project delivery background.If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:Experience in building or construction, gained through either a trade qualification or practical field-based work. Experience operating machinery, including chainsaws and diggers.A passion for conserving and enhancing huts, tracks and heritage sitesExperience leading projects or coordinating operational work programmesStrong planning, organisation and problem-solving skillsExperience leading teams and creating positive working environmentsConfidence working in backcountry, remote or outdoor environmentsExperience with heritage assets, visitor infrastructure or conservation projectsThe ability to build effective relationships with whanau, hapu, iwi, communities and partner organisationsA proactive, solutions-focused approachCurrent full New Zealand driver licenceExperience around helicopters and vessels would also be advantageous.He aha nga painga mou? | 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.Want to know more?Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.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.Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 10th NovemberMe he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.