Regional Principal Ranger: Lead Conservation & Partners

Department of Conservation; Kaitaia; On-site; NZD 94,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in Kaitaia invites an experienced leader to join as Principal Ranger, guiding conservation delivery and people across a geographically diverse district. You will build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, partners and communities, lead staff, manage budgets, coordinate work programmes, and drive continuous improvement while modelling integrity and teamwork.

This permanent role offers influence across regional outcomes within a supportive district leadership

Qualifications

• An experienced people leader who empowers, motivates and creates a positive team culture.
• Strong financial, planning and resource management skills with ability to balance priorities.
• Experience leading operational delivery and coordinating resources across dispersed environments.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator building trusted relationships and influencing outcomes.
• Experience managing projects, contracts and work programmes to achieve outcomes.
• Able to work with whānau, hapū, iwi, community groups, businesses and partners.
• Strategic thinker who can navigate complexity and contribute to district planning.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, onboarding and developing staff while building a positive team culture.
• Planning, scheduling and coordinating work programmes to deliver within timelines and budgets.
• Contributing to District Leadership Team discussions on priorities and resources.
• Building strong relationships with iwi, hapū, hapū, hapū, whānau, community groups and partners.
• Providing leadership and support across multiple teams and programmes within a large district.
• Managing budgets and financial performance while monitoring outputs and risks.
• Collaborating across DOC teams to achieve conservation objectives.

Skills

People leadership

Financial management

Planning and budgeting

Operational delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Contract/project management

Strategic thinking

NZ Driver's License

Job description

The Department of Conservation in Kaitaia invites an experienced leader to join as Principal Ranger, guiding conservation delivery and people across a geographically diverse district. You will build strong relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, partners and communities, lead staff, manage budgets, coordinate work programmes, and drive continuous improvement while modelling integrity and teamwork.

This permanent role offers influence across regional outcomes within a supportive district leadership