Ranger Project Lead – Heritage & Visitors

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) in New Plymouth, leads heritage and visitor projects to enhance conservation outcomes across Taranaki. You will manage contractors, plan initiatives, and collaborate across teams to deliver projects on time and to a high standard.

As Ranger Project Lead – Heritage & Visitors, you’ll drive business cases, budgets, and safety management while supporting diverse stakeholders including tangata whenua.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent in site management, construction, or safety management.
• Significant experience in CAPEX project delivery and contract management.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work with tangata whenua and diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of infrastructure, asset management, and procurement processes.
• Strong focus on Health and Safety, especially contractor management.
• First Aid certificate and NZ Driver’s Licence (manual preferred).

Responsibilities

• Deliver heritage and visitor projects across the district, including upgrades to structures, signs, tracks and facilities.
• Develop business cases to support planning and decision-making.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Apply hands-on building trade experience to maintenance challenges.
• Ensure safety, functionality and longevity of DOC facilities and infrastructure.
• Coordinate with contractors and internal teams to complete projects efficiently.
• Collaborate with engineering and stakeholders to prioritise and execute work.
• Support other districts across the region when required.

Skills

Leadership

Contract management

Relationship building

Health and safety

Communication skills

Problem solving

Driver's license

Education

Tertiary qualification in site management/construction/safety

Job description

Lead conservation projects and enhance visitor experiences.

The salary range for this position is $69,429 - $88,181 depending on skills and experience. Permanent, full-time position based in New Plymouth.

Drive initiatives that enhance visitor experiences and support conservation outcomes across the Taranaki 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 NewZealand'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. As the Ranger Project Lead – Heritage & Visitors, you’ll play a key role delivering the Taranaki Regional and District priorities over the next 5 years to enhance the visitor experience. Working with the Principal Ranger, you’ll manage contractors and oversee all aspects of project planning and implementation. You’ll collaborate with Operations teams, Treaty Partners, and external stakeholders to develop business cases and deliver projects on time, on budget, and to a high standard. This hands‑on role suits someone who enjoys coordinating people and projects, solving problems in dynamic environments, and building strong relationships to achieve great outcomes for te taiao, visitors, and heritage.

The position will be focussed on:

• Delivering heritage and visitor projects across the district, such as replacing structures, signs, upgrading tracks and facilities and organising contractors.
• Develop business cases to support project planning and decision‑making when required.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Applying hands‑on building trade experience to solve maintenance challenges.
• Ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of DOC facilities and infrastructure.
• Coordinating with contractors and internal teams to complete maintenance projects efficiently and effectively.
• Collaborating with the engineering team and various stakeholders to prioritise and execute maintenance work.
• Support other districts across the region when required.

Skills and experience

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about achieving greater conservation outcomes for Taranaki and neighbouring districts. You will be highly motivated, well organised and have a positive attitude. If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in site management, construction, or safety management.
• Significant practical experience in CAPEX project delivery and contract management.
• Strong relationship‑building and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with tangata whenua and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to clearly understand and communicate technical information.
• Solid knowledge of infrastructure, asset management, and procurement processes.
• Strong focus and knowledge of Health and Safety, especially contractor management.
• Current First Aid Certificate and full NZ Driver’s Licence (with the ability to drive a manual preferred).
• Confident with technology and quick to learn new systems.

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. We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 27th September. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

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