Website Department of Conservation
- Influential, people leader role in one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments
- Permanent role | Salary range – $92,912 – $117,570
- Franz Josef preferred; Haast may also be considered.
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.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Are you ready to lead a passionate team in one of the planet’s most spectacular natural environments? South Westland is a globally significant ecological region UNESCO World Heritage site, home to ancient forests, wild coastlines, alpine peaks, and some of New Zealand’s most rare and unique wildlife.
As Principal Ranger, you’ll be at the forefront of conservation, working across amazing marine, alpine, and forest landscapes, and leading a team that’s shaping the future for nature and people.
The position will be focussed on:
- Recruiting and onboarding staff and building a positive and collaborative team environment
- Planning, managing, scheduling and assigning work within the South Westland biodiversity program; ensuring tasks are delivered within timelines and budget
- Being part of the District Leadership Team and contributing to decisions around resources and priorities
- Understanding and respecting the importance of the work for Māori/ iwi, fostering positive working relationships to reach mutually beneficial outcomes
- Managing budgets and financials; tracking outputs, outcomes, and risks
- Collaborate across internal teams and with our community partners
- Lead by example by building strong relationships and consistently acting with integrity in everything you do
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:
- an experienced people leader who is skilled at empowering, motivating, and creating a positive team culture
- strong financial and resource management skills
- Biodiversity science experience/ background
- A strong and proactive communicator and collaborator, you build strong internal and external relationships with ease
- project and contract management experience
- ability to work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others.
Our Values
At the Department of Conservation, everyone’s journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That’s why we believe your career should be more than a role… it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make.
Here, you’ll find more than a workplace. You’ll find a team united and guided by values that matter:
- Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable
- Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher
- Connection, because collaboration sparks progress
- Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact
This is a place where nature thrives because people do.
Mō te tīma | About the team
Join a collaborative, skilled team working in Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, and Haast—places renowned for their breathtaking scenery and ecological importance. Shared DOC accommodation is available, so you can immerse yourself in the landscape you’ll help protect. Click here to get more of an idea of the area and our team.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.
Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
The salary range for this position is $92,912 – $117,570 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 13th November
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz
To apply for this job please visit doc.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com.