Supervisor Operations

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

Job summary

Department of Conservation in Te Anau seeks a Supervisor to lead a–seasonal Rangers team, delivering high-quality conservation and visitor outcomes. This 50/50 office/field role focuses on supervision, planning, logistics and stakeholder collaboration to support operations during the busy season.

You will coordinate workforce planning, recruitment and field delivery, ensuring safety, wellbeing and efficient service across iconic sites including Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Great Walks.

Qualifications

• Leadership of field-based teams with supervision, coaching and mentoring.
• Plan, monitor and report on work delivery.
• A team player with a ‘can-do’ attitude, practical and helpful.
• Strong communicator and collaborator, builds relationships.
• Learns by example, shows accountability and high standards.
• Commitment to safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
• Technologically savvy and adaptable to digital tools.
• Delivery-focused, highly organized and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a large seasonal workforce to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes.
• Provide day-to-day supervision, coordination and hands-on field support.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding and workforce planning activities.
• Collaborate across district/region to deliver priority conservation outcomes.

Skills

Leadership of field teams

Planning & reporting

Communication & collaboration

Safety focus

Proactive delivery

Mentoring & coaching

Tools

NZ Driver Licence

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. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga.

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.

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, Manapōuri and Lumsden.

Skills and experience

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.

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• 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, hapū, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others.
• Full NZ driver license.

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.

Application deadline

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 25th November.

Contact

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.