Principal Ranger - Statutory and Community

• Influential, people leader role contributing to Conservation outcomes for Aotearoa

• Permanent role | Salary range - $92,912 - $117,570

• Nelson based

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

The Department of Conservation has recently made some big changes to help our people and operations work better together—so we can achieve the conservation outcomes we’re aiming for.

As part of this, we’ve introduced a new role: Principal Ranger, Statutory and Community. Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager, this position is all about leading district-based community rangers and supporting them to deliver priority work programmes effectively. The team works across the Northern South Island region to deliver our regulatory and community work.

The position will be focussed on:

• Recruiting and onboarding staff and building a positive and collaborative team environment

• Planning, scheduling and assigning work, ensuring tasks are delivered within timelines and budget

• Understanding and respecting the importance of the work for Māori/ iwi, fostering positive working relationships to reach mutually beneficial outcomes

• Leading and developing work plans to support regional priorities and statutory work

• Managing budgets and financials; tracking outputs, outcomes, and risks

• Collaborating and maintaining positive working relationships internally and externally

• Identifying critical issues and risks and ensure they are managed effectively

• 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 across a remote team

• A strong and proactive communicator and collaborator, you build strong internal and external relationships with ease

• Strong understanding of statutory and policy frameworks, including land management, permissions and resource management

• A clear communicator who can translate complex policy and technical information for a wide range of audiences

• Proven experience applying legal and regulatory knowledge in a practical setting

• Understanding where the Māori–Crown relationship plays a key role in DOC’s responsibilities and decision making

• 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.

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 Sunday 1st March 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [email protected]