Ranger Project Lead – Heritage & Visitors

• Lead conservation projects and enhance visitor experiences

• The salary range for this position is $69,429 - $88,181 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent, full-time position based in New Plymouth.

Drive initiatives that enhance visitor experiences and support conservation outcomes across the Taranaki region

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Department of Conservation protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Our Regional Operations Group delivers the frontline conservation work that protects and enhances the places, species, and ecosystems entrusted to DOC. 

As the Ranger Project Lead – Heritage & Visitors, you’ll play a key role delivering the Taranaki Regional and District priorities over the next 5 years to enhance the visitor experience. Working with the Principal Ranger, you’ll manage contractors and oversee all aspects of project planning and implementation. You’ll collaborate with Operations teams, Treaty Partners, and external stakeholders to develop business cases and deliver projects on time, on budget, and to a high standard.

This hands-on role suits someone who enjoys coordinating people and projects, solving problems in dynamic environments, and building strong relationships to achieve great outcomes for te taiao, visitors, and heritage.

The position will be focussed on:

• Delivering heritage and visitor projects across the district, such as replacing structures, signs, upgrading tracks and facilities and organising contractors.

• Develop business cases to support project planning and decision-making when required.

• Manage contracts, budgets, and resources effectively

• Applying hands-on building trade experience to solve maintenance challenges.

• Ensuring the safety, functionality, and longevity of DOC facilities and infrastructure.

• Coordinating with contractors and internal teams to complete maintenance projects efficiently and effectively.

• Collaborating with the engineering team and various stakeholders to prioritise and execute maintenance work.

• Support other districts across the region when required

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about achieving greater conservation outcomes for Taranaki and neighbouring districts. You will be highly motivated, well organised and have a positive attitude.

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in site management, construction, or safety management.

• Significant practical experience in CAPEX project delivery and contract management

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with tangata whenua and diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to clearly understand and communicate technical information.

• Solid knowledge of infrastructure, asset management, and procurement processes.

• Strong focus and knowledge of Health and Safety, especially contractor management.

• Current First Aid Certificate and full NZ Driver’s Licence (with the ability to drive a manual preferred).

• Confident with technology and quick to learn new systems

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $69,429 - $88,181, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 27th September. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

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