Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors

Department of Conservation (DOC); Te Anau; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) Te Anau-based role leads heritage and visitor project delivery across the Te Anau District. Reporting to the Principal Ranger, you will drive the Fit-for-Purpose programme, coordinate asset and infrastructure projects, and foster strong cross-team collaboration to deliver conservation outcomes.

You bring a background in conservation, environmental operations, asset management, or project delivery, with proven leadership, prioritising timelines, budgets, and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of operational initiatives and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and resources to achieve project outcomes.
• Provide leadership in the field and foster a positive team environment.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, and risk assessments.
• Monitor progress and report on project milestones and performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Support continuous improvement and effective project delivery practices.

Skills

Project leadership

Conservation operations

Asset management

Project delivery

Cross-functional teamwork

Stakeholder management

Communication

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

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

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

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Sunday 11th October

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

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