Supervisor (Fixed-Term)

• Manage a team of Rangers working on conservation of New Zealand’s rarest endemic breeding bird. 

• Salary range $80,695 to $101,951 depending on skills and experience. 

• Full time, fixed-term role September 2026 – March 2027 with flexible working options available. 

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

The New Zealand Fairy Tern/Tara iti is New Zealand’s rarest endemic breeding bird. There are currently fewer than 45 birds left in the population. The survival of this species is supported by a dedicated team of DOC staff. Over the summer nesting season, this includes nine temporary and four permanent Rangers whose job it is to ensure that the tara iti can nest, breed, and rear their chicks with minimal disturbance.  

This role will supervise those staff throughout the summer season, supporting the team to deliver essential conservation work to one of New Zealand’s most vulnerable species.   

We are looking for an experienced, adaptable people-leader to supervise a team of seasonal staff. As a supervisor, you’ll be responsible for work delivery, team resourcing and capability, people leadership, relationship-building, training, and providing general support for your field-based team. The team will be working from South Head to Whangārei.  

The role will report to and have support from the Principal Ranger for this program, along with a team of permanent staff. Induction and training are provided.  This role will have a 5-day roster with 2 days off during the week. This role is expected to work weekends. You may occasionally be asked to provide out-of-hours support in case of emergency.  

Accommodation is not provided for this role. The successful applicant must find their own accommodation if they are not already based within commutable distance to either the Warkworth or Whangārei offices.  

The position will be focussed on: 

• Supervise work delivery – understand, schedule, oversee and ensure that work gets done safely and on-time. 

• Collaborate – work with permanent staff, Operations Managers, community groups and stakeholders to carry out work.  

• Team capability – ensure the team has the training, skills, capacity and overall capability to deliver planned work. Manage staff roster to ensure that essential work is planned to team capacity.  

• People leadership – assign tasks, set clear expectations and monitor progress. Lead the team in a way that inspires trust, respect, and continuous improvement. Take a proactive approach to managing your own and others’ wellbeing.  

• Identify critical issues, including safety issues, and raise them in an appropriate manner. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

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

• Experience leading or supervising people is essential, along with knowledge of the principles of good leadership. 

• Comfortable engaging and working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua. Able to work in collaboration with iwi, hapū and whānau.  

• Collaboration and relationship-building skills, able to interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 

• Organisational skills, ability to keep track of multiple people and work programs.  

• High personal and professional standards of ethics, confidentiality, and dedication to the principles of public service.  

• Commitment to health and safety, and knowledge of safety principles while working in the field is a bonus.

• A basic level of fitness and ability to travel on foot in coastal areas.  

• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work is essential, in response to emergency situations.  

​

Desirable: 

• A broad knowledge of New Zealand conservation management, with an interest in the management of threatened species. Knowledge of this area of work, such as previous involvement with the Tara iti program, is beneficial.  

Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply. 

Click here for the Applicant Information Sheet

Click here for the Role Description

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 applying. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications.
 
If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.  
 
The salary range for this position is $80,695 to $101,951 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.