Ranger Project Lead: Heritage & Visitor Experiences

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

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.