Supervisor Operations

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Te Anau; Hybrid; NZD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, seeks a Supervisor to lead a seasonal Rangers team based in Te Anau. You will provide leadership, coordinate field and office work, and ensure safe, high-quality visitor and conservation outcomes across Fiordland's Great Walks and campsites.

This 50/50 role combines on-site supervision with office planning, recruitment support, and stakeholder engagement. A strong safety focus, proactive communication, and a full NZ driver license are essential.

Qualifications

• Leadership of field-based teams with supervision, coaching and mentoring.
• Ability to plan, monitor and report on work delivery.
• Team player with a can-do attitude, willing to help out when needed.
• Strong communicator and collaborator with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leads by example, upholds high standards and accountability.
• Commitment to safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
• Tech-savvy and adaptive to digital tools and systems.
• Delivery-focused, highly organised, seeks efficiency improvements.
• Ability to work with whānau, hapū, iwi and community partners.
• Full NZ driver license.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting a large seasonal workforce to deliver safe, high-quality visitor and conservation outcomes.
• Providing day-to-day supervision, coordination and hands-on support while fostering a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting district recruitment, onboarding and workforce planning activities.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the district and region to deliver integrated, high-priority conservation outcomes.
• Embedding effective systems, processes and ways of working that support successful team performance.
• Some weekend work may be required during the summer season.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Planning

Communication

Teamwork

Safety

Wellbeing

Tech savvy

Delivery focus

Driver license

Job description

Mix your passion for Conservation and team leadership Permanent role | Salary range - $80,695 - $101,951 Based In beautiful Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland Varied team lead role supporting the delivery of conservation work within the district.

About the role

Reporting to the Principal Ranger, as the Supervisor, you will lead a team of Seasonal Rangers based in Te Anau, providing leadership, coordination and support to deliver operational priorities across some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic visitor destinations, including the Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Great Walks, Milford Road & Mavora Lakes Campsites and icon day visitor sites as well as several other Conservation Areas

You'll play a key role in creating a positive team culture, ensuring safe and high-quality delivery, and supporting the successful operation of the district through the busy season (October to May). This is a 50/50 office and field-based role.

The Supervisor Seasonal Staff leads and supports seasonal teams in the field while also coordinating work programmes, logistics, and administration from the office. By maintaining a strong presence on the ground and overseeing operational planning, the role ensures staff are well supported, work is delivered safely and effectively, and visitor and conservation outcomes are achieved. The position is focused on:

• Leading and supporting a large seasonal workforce to deliver safe, high-quality visitor and conservation outcomes.
• Providing day-to-day supervision, coordination and hands‑on support while fostering a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Building strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting district recruitment, onboarding and workforce planning activities.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the district and region to deliver integrated, high‑priority conservation outcomes.
• Embedding effective systems, processes and ways of working that support successful team performance.
• Some weekend work may be required during the summer season.

Click here for the Role Description

Please note that DOC housing is not available for this position and rental accommodation in Te Anau can be limited. Many staff choose to commute from surrounding areas such as Mossburn, Manapŋuri and Lumsden.

Ngā pūkenga me ī hei te paic experienè

You’re a natural leader who thrives in dynamic environments. You are passionate about Conservation and enjoy working within a team all aiming for the same goals.

• Leadership of field-based teams, with experience in supervising, coaching and mentoring
• Demonstrated capability to plan, monitor and report on work delivery
• A team player with a 'can-do' attitude – practically minded, you are happy to jump in and help out when needed
• A strong and proactive communicator and collaborator, you build strong internal and external relationships with ease
• Leads by example, setting high personal and professional standards, assumes responsibility and accountability for the success of the team
• A strong commitment to safety and mental wellbeing in the workplace
• Technologically savvy and able to keep up with changes in the digital space
• Delivery-focused and proactive, you’re highly organised and continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency
• Ability to work alongside whānau, hapŋ, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others
• Full NZ driver license

He aha őī ᭑ ma?| 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: $80,695 - $101,951, 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 Wednesday 25th November. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anā, whakapŋ mai | For further enquiries, please contact Abby Caird, Principal Ranger Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitor, [e-mail]

Please note, we’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tůrŏa

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko ta te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anŋ 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