Principal Ranger (Onepū and Nga Awa) | Tūtei Mātāmua

Influential, people leader role contributing to Conservation outcomes for Aotearoa Permanent role | Salary range - $93,656 - $118,510 Kaitaia based Lead conservation delivery and people as a Principal Ranger, building strong partnerships to achieve regional outcomes. 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 providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and support across the geographically diverse Kaitaia District.

The role ensures people, resources, and priorities are effectively coordinated to deliver conservation outcomes while navigating the increasing complexity of operations across the district. As a member of the District Leadership Team, you'll work closely with operational teams, managers, iwi, community groups, partners, and stakeholders to align priorities, strengthen relationships, and support the successful delivery of regional work programmes.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced leader who can influence outcomes, connect people, foster collaboration, and drive continuous improvement across a diverse operational environment. The position will be focussed on: Recruiting, onboarding, and developing staff while building a positive and collaborative team culture Planning, scheduling, and coordinating work programmes to ensure delivery within agreed timelines and budgets Contributing to District Leadership Team discussions and decisions relating to priorities, resources, and operational delivery Building and maintaining strong relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, community groups, and key stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes Providing leadership and support across multiple teams and work programmes within a large and geographically dispersed district Managing budgets and financial performance while monitoring outputs, outcomes, and risks Collaborating across DOC teams and with community partners to achieve conservation objectives Leading by example through integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement 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: an experienced people leader who is skilled at empowering, motivating, and creating a positive team culture strong financial, planning, and resource management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities experience leading operational delivery and coordinating resources across complex or geographically dispersed environments an excellent communicator and collaborator who builds trusted relationships and influences positive outcomes experience managing projects, contracts, and work programmes to achieve agreed outcomes demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with whānau, hapū, iwi, community groups, businesses, and partner organisations able to think strategically, navigate complexity, and contribute to district-wide planning and decision-making 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. 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 Wednesday 18th November. 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, leeyoung@doc.

govt.nz . Please note, we’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.