About

Bring your relationship management & project management skills to this purpose-rich, Mana Whenua-focused role. Take a Kaupapa Māori approach to delivering conservation, and effect deep and positive change. Salary ranges from $68,878 to $87,265 depending on skills and experience. We have two permanent full-time positions available, locations: Position 1: Taupō preferred (Tūrangi considered for the right candidate) Position 2: Whakapapa preferred (Ohakune considered for the right candidate) 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 keen to be at the leading edge of iwi and hapū partnership and conservation leadership for Aotearoa? Join us in preserving our natural treasures. We're seeking Ranger Project Leads - Treaty Implementation to spearhead vital initiatives in collaboration with our Treaty partners. This role isn't just about managing projects; it's about fostering partnerships and ensuring that our conservation efforts align with Treaty obligations and cultural values. What you’ll do: Develop detailed project plans and governance arrangements with Treaty partners, using SMART objectives and robust monitoring and reporting frameworks. Lead negotiation and contract management, ensuring projects meet required standards and risks are managed effectively. Coordinate project teams, assign tasks, and monitor progress to deliver successful outcomes. Build and maintain positive relationships with whānau, hapū, and iwi, fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts professionally. Support staff across the region to increase cultural competency and understanding of Treaty obligations. What you’ll bring: Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in conservation. Proven experience in project leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement. Excellent relationship-building and communication skills. Ability to navigate complex cultural and legislative landscapes. We have two permanent full-time positions available. Please advise in your cover letter which location you are applying for. Position 1: Taupō preferred (Tūrangi considered for the right candidate) Position 2: Whakapapa preferred (Ohakune considered for the right candidate) Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience You will have great communication and engagement skills allowing a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You know how to engage effectively with mana whenua and show a willingness to learn karakia, pepeha and local tikanga to strengthen your capability in this area. This will enable you to work confidently and respectfully with whānau, hapū, and iwi. If you have some of the following, we’d love to hear from you: A genuine interest in conservation and protecting Aotearoa’s natural heritage. Demonstrated understanding of Treaty principles, tikanga Māori, kaitiakitanga, wairuatanga, manaakitanga, and iwitanga to work effectively with tangata whenua. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to write accurate, clear, and concise reports. Strong project management skills with experience in planning, prioritising, allocating, and monitoring resources to meet timeframes. Whakawhānaungatanga – the ability to foster and develop relationships with colleagues, the public, and tangata whenua. Ability to engage and support the aspirations of tangata whenua in relation to conservation and Treaty settlements. Familiarity with Treaty settlement processes and DOC obligations. Strong proficiency in computer systems and databases, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies. Proven contract management experience. Knowledge of te reo me ōna tikanga Māori, supporting cultural understanding and partnership development. A full New Zealand driver’s licence. Mō te tīma | About the team The Regional Operations Group is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our biodiversity, recreation/historic, community engagement and visitor centre teams. We are a close-knit team that look out for one another and are passionate about the mahi that we do. We are passionate about collaboration and wider team bonding, with great connections with the biodiversity team (kiwi cuddles, anyone?) and the Heritage & Visitor team (let's get out on the trails!) 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, preferred location, 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 these positions is $68,878 to $87,265 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 Friday 9th January 2026. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Serena Taylor, Principal Ranger at setaylor@doc.govt.nz Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us