Ranger Project Lead, Treaty and Community

• Lead community initiatives that protect Manawatū's natural heritage

• Partner with iwi and communities to deliver conservation outcomes

• Salary range: $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent Opportunity | based in Palmerston North, with flexible working options

Help shape conservation outcomes through Treaty partnership, community collaboration, and strategic project leadership.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. We're looking for a strategic and relationship-focused Ranger Project Lead, Treaty and Community to join our Manawatū Operations District team.

This is a pivotal strategic role focused on delivering Treaty settlement obligations and advancing the Lower North Island regional strategy within the Manawatū District. Working closely with iwi and hapū, as well as communities, councils, and partner agencies, you'll lead complex projects that strengthen relationships, support implementation of regional priorities, and contribute to positive conservation outcomes across the district.

Key areas of focus include:

• Supporting the implementation of Treaty settlement obligations and partnership commitments.

• Building and maintaining effective relationships with iwi, hapū, community groups, and stakeholders.

• Providing Treaty-related advice and support to operational teams.

• Leading complex, collaborative projects involving multiple partners and agencies.

• Identifying risks, opportunities, and improvements that strengthen conservation outcomes and partnerships.

• Supporting capability development and confidence across teams in working effectively with Treaty partners.

• Contributing to regional and national initiatives through meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

Click here for the Role Description 

Please note, while the role description is titled ‘Ranger Project Lead, Community’, the advertised title reflects the role's significant Treaty partnership responsibilities.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• Experience building trusted relationships with iwi, hapū, communities, or stakeholders.

• A sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application.

• Strong project management skills and experience delivering collaborative projects.

• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

• Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and political awareness.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex situations.

• Experience providing advice, guidance, or mentoring to others.

• An understanding of conservation, natural resource management, or the public sector would be advantageous.

• A current full New Zealand driver licence.

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 13th 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]