Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Te Anau; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation located in Te Anau seeks a Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors to drive and deliver operational initiatives across the Te Anau District. You will lead the Region's Fit-for-Purpose programme, coordinating projects that improve assets and infrastructure to ensure they are fit for purpose and aligned with priorities.

You're a natural leader with a background in conservation, environmental operations, asset management, or project delivery.

Qualifications

• Background in conservation, environmental operations, asset management, or project delivery.
• Experience leading or coordinating projects from planning through to implementation and reporting.
• 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

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

Project leadership

Conservation operations

Asset management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Team coordination

NZ 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 Drive the delivery of operational initiatives that support conservation outcomes across our region.

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

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | 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. If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• 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.

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

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

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

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa.

When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa.

He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Our people bring this vision to life.

Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles.

Read more about DOC