Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitors| Tūtei Taonga me Ngā Manuhiri Matua

• Lead conservation operations from the Catlins to the Subantarctics.

• Permanent role | Salary range - $93,656 - $118,510

• Invercargill Based

Combine strategic planning, people leadership and project delivery in one of DOC's most varied operational districts.

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. As part of this, the Regional Operations Group delivers the frontline conservation work that protects and enhances the places, species, and ecosystems entrusted to DOC.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Principal Ranger is a key operational leadership role responsible for leading and supporting district-based teams, enabling the delivery of priority conservation projects and the ongoing management of visitor and infrastructure assets across the region.

The position will be focussed on:

• Recruiting, leading, coaching and supporting staff across Owaka and Invercargill to build a positive, high-performing team culture.

• Enabling the delivery of key projects and routine infrastructure management across the Catlins, Bluff, backcountry, and the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands, supporting visitor experiences and annual work programme objectives.

• Contributing as a member of the District Leadership Team to business and operational planning, prioritisation, and resource allocation.

• Managing budgets, monitoring expenditure and providing assurance that work programmes are delivered effectively.

• Overseeing minor capital works and operational projects across a diverse range of visitor and conservation assets.

• Building strong relationships with iwi, local and regional authorities, community partners, contractors, and internal teams to achieve shared outcomes.

• Leading by example through a strong commitment to health, safety, collaboration, and operational excellence.

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:

• Demonstrated people leadership experience, with a proven ability to empower, motivate and support teams to succeed.

• Strong project or programme management experience, or equivalent transferable operational experience.

• Experience managing budgets, monitoring expenditure, and reporting on performance and outcomes.

• Experience delivering or overseeing infrastructure, operational, or minor capital works projects.

• Strong planning, coordination, and organisational skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.

• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively across a range of stakeholders.

• Ability to work collaboratively with whānau, hapū, iwi, local and regional authorities, community groups, businesses, and partners.

• Strategic thinking and judgement to support long-term planning and operational decision-making.

• A strong commitment to health, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Full NZ Drivers License

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: $93,656 - $118,510, 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 4th October. 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]