Lead field-based conservation projects from Fiordland to Rakiura
Monday to Friday role with a mix of front country and backcountry work
Permanent role | Salary range - $69,429 - $88,181 dependent on experience
Based in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park

Combine your practical building or construction background with project leadership and field-based conservation work

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As Ranger Project Lead - Heritage and Visitors, you'll take a field-first approach to project delivery - spending around 75% of your time on site leading conservation and visitor infrastructure projects across the lower South Island. One week you could be coordinating track or hut improvements on iconic Great Walks (such as Milford, Kepler or Routeburn), the next working alongside field teams on heritage structures, visitor assets, or infrastructure projects stretching from Oamaru to Rakiura.

Reporting to the Principal Ranger, you'll lead DOC's Fit-for-Purpose programme across the Te Anau District, ensuring assets and infrastructure are safe, fit for purpose, and support outstanding visitor experiences and conservation outcomes.

You'll have the autonomy to plan, prioritise and deliver your work programme, while also leading a small team of fixed-term staff working on projects across the district.

The position will also include:

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 (not just managing from behind a desk)

Monitoring project timelines, budgets, risks and performance

Building strong relationships with internal teams, contractors and community partners

Supporting conservation initiatives in some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most remote and remarkable locations

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, Manapōuri and Lumsden.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We're looking for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and leading from the front. You may come from a conservation, building, infrastructure, construction, asset management, forestry or project delivery background.

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

Experience in building or construction, gained through either 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

Confidence working in backcountry, remote or outdoor environments

Experience with heritage assets, visitor infrastructure or conservation projects

The ability to build effective relationships with whānau, hapū, 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.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 10th November

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.