Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Ranger - Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors in Te Anau to drive the delivery of operational initiatives that protect and enhance regional assets and infrastructure.

You will lead the Region's Fit-for-Purpose programme, coordinate cross-functional teams, manage plans, budgets, risks, and report progress while building strong relationships with iwi, communities, contractors, and partner organisations.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or coordinating projects from planning to reporting.
• Ability to manage priorities within timeframes and budgets.
• Experience with conservation operations or asset maintenance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Conservation management

Project delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Work on meaningful projects that protect and enhance our backyardPermanent roles available | Salary range - $69,429 - $88,181 dependent on experienceTe Anau based - live and work on the doorstep of Fiordland National ParkDrive 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

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. The position will also include:

• 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 ʽʫkenga me āʫ ʪhe | 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 ʪ ănŋ̃ ƅʫʫ სā Еān↠ | 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?

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.

Ră whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 11th October

Me he pătai anó, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]