Ranger Project Lead Heritage and Visitor

• Lead impactful projects that directly enhance visitor experiences and protect Te Taiao across the region.

• Work in a dynamic, hands-on role, combining planning, fieldwork, problem-solving and teamwork. 

• Salary Ranges from $68,878 to $87,265 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent fulltime position | based in Taupō or Tūrangi

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

Reporting to the Principal Ranger, the Ranger Project Lead – Visitor & Heritage leads the planning and delivery of priority visitor and heritage projects across the region. This role ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed standards, while achieving strong outcomes for visitors, heritage, and Treaty partnerships.

Working closely with the Operations team, Treaty Partners, and external stakeholders, you will coordinate people, contracts, and specialist advice, manage risks and reporting, and ensure projects align with DOC priorities, operational plans, and Treaty obligations.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys turning plans into action and building strong relationships to deliver meaningful outcomes on the ground.

The position will be focussed on:

• Lead priority visitor & heritage projects from planning through to delivery, ensuring alignment with operational plans, budgets, timelines, and quality standards.

• Plan, monitor, and manage delivery by overseeing contracts, budgets, risks, milestones, and reporting to achieve agreed outcomes.

• Coordinate and lead people and expertise, including project teams, specialists, contractors, and supervisors, while providing technical guidance and mentoring.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with Operations teams, Visitor & Heritage Advisors, Treaty Partners, and external agencies to enable effective collaboration and delivery.

• Embed best practice, safety, and Treaty partnership in all work, contributing to organisational improvement and upholding DOC values and obligations.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You’re a natural leader with a background in conservation, environmental operations, or project management. You thrive in dynamic environments and bring clarity, structure, and collaboration to everything you do.

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

• Proven experience in recreational asset maintenance/management (trade or relevant qualification desirable). 

• Proven background in practical conservation work

• Proven experience in carpentry, building and facilities maintenance 

• An eye for detail to ensure all our assets are constructed are maintained to a high standard.

• Experience in the use of power equipment, specifically chainsaws Hands on practical field experience.

• Ability to monitor the delivery of the assigned work plan and reporting progress of relevant issues.

• Committed and motivated to work without constant supervision.

• Ability to work in back country environments and have a high level of fitness, and ability to navigate off track.

• Experience supporting projects or programs, including planning, implementation, supervision, delivery within timeframes, and reporting

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

• Ability to work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others

• You’re delivery-focused, highly organised, and continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori is an advantage. 

• Current NZ full driving 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, Treaty and community engagement.

We are a close-knit team that look out for one another and are passionate about the mahi that we do. We have fantastic team culture, with flexibility and wellbeing a priority. Working collaboratively with iwi, the team foster lasting relationships that create big changes for the future of our environment.

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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

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 $68,878 to $87,265 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 26th February 2026.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor at [email protected]