Ranger Treaty at Department of Conservation, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Make a Difference: Play a pivotal role in conserving the Waikato River, one of New Zealand's most culturally and environmentally significant rivers, while ensuring iwi, hapū, and Marae are involved in conservation efforts. 
• Cultural Integration: Work closely with Waikato Tainui iwi to integrate Māori values and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi into conservation projects, ensuring that all work is respectful of cultural heritage. 
• The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $86,423.  
• Permanent, full-time position based in Te Rapa, Waikato. 

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. 

He angitūtanga | About the role 

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai is a seeking passionate Treaty Ranger for the Waikato River to help deliver iwi relations, conservation projects, and community engagement programs focused on the Waikato River and its surrounding communities, iwi, hapū, and Marae. This role is critical in fostering strong relationships with the Waikato River iwi, promoting conservation efforts, and supporting cultural and environmental restoration initiatives. 

The position will be focused on: 

• Iwi Relations & Community Engagement: Building and nurturing strong relationships with iwi, hapū, Marae, and key stakeholders along the Waikato River to ensure alignment of conservation goals with cultural values. 
• Programme Delivery & Implementation: Assisting in the planning, delivery, and monitoring of conservation work plans, including biodiversity restoration and pest control projects. 
• Cultural Integration in Conservation: Ensuring that the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and iwi-specific aspirations are integrated into all conservation activities. 
• Monitoring & Reporting: Tracking progress of community relations and conservation work, providing reports on outcomes, challenges, and successes. 
• Contributing to both DOC initiatives and tribal Taiao projects 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 
 

We are looking for a confident communicator and great team player who has a passion for advancing iwi involvement in conservation 

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

• Ability to build and maintain strong, respectful relationships. 
• Experience in community-based conservation, public engagement 
• Problem-solving abilities to identify risks, address challenges, and implement solutions. 
• Leadership: Ability to take initiative, provide feedback, and work collaboratively across teams to achieve conservation goals. 
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Cultural Competency: Understanding of Te Reo, Tikanga Māori, and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
• A full New Zealand driver licence 
• A deep respect for Te Ao Māori and tikanga, with a genuine passion for working with whānau, hapū, and iwi. 
• Digitally savvy with the ability to quickly learn new systems 
• Emotional intelligence  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

Desirable: 

• Registered Waikato Tainui tribal member 
• Knowledge of local iwi, particularly Waikato Tainui, and experience in working with Māori communities. 
• Understanding of field delivery work 

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

 
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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. 

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted. 

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.  

The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $86,423 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. 

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.  

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 30 April 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Jane Wheeler, Supervisor,  jwheeler@doc.govt.nz 

Taupānga | Job reference DOC/1851880