Ranger Project Lead at Department of Conservation, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead visitor asset projects and develop work plans
• Even mix of field and office-based work, changeable depending on the stages of the projects
• Permanent, full-time role based in Whitianga

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.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.


Mō te tūranga | About the role
We have an exciting, newly created role aimed at overseeing the delivery of low to medium size maintenance funding and projects to ensure that the Department's recreational assets remain fit for purpose. This incredibly varied work supports the Coromandel District on projects alongside our existing local teams as well as co-ordinating contractors where required. This position will also work collaboratively with the Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor in the District, the Senior Visitor Advisor and Rangers to help develop a strategic work program that they can then deliver.

The Ranger Project Lead role will lead and deliver work at place to maintain and improve the condition of recreation and visitor assets. This includes:

• Undertaking hands-on maintenance and repair work on visitor infrastructure
• Supporting the baseline assessment and recording of visitor assets
• Conducting audits, inventories, and data management within EAM and other DOC systems
• Assisting with scheduling and prioritising field work for the team.

Supporting the Principal Ranger, Heritage & Visitors, this role will coordinate the work to:

• Lead the delivery of funded visitor projects
• Scope and develop future visitor projects
• Building and maintaining relationships with community groups and iwi partners
• Contribute to the design and delivery of visitor training initiatives.

This is a permanent, full-time role based in Whitianga.

Click here for the Role Description


Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for someone who enjoys working autonomously, can problem-solve creatively, and can create and maintain effective relationships. You will have strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate technical information clearly.

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

• Knowledge and/or practical skills in recreation management practices & work scheduling
• Project and contractor management experience
• Tech savvy skills and drive to learn new systems, including the ability to use computer databases and information systems
• Full New Zealand driver's licence

Desirable:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or experience in the construction industry
• 4WD and experience working around helicopters
• Experience with procurement processes and systems; existing knowledge of SAP advantageous
• Strong focus and knowledge of Health and Safety, especially contractor management
• Proven expertise in relationship management and stakeholder influence, including working with Māori and iwi communities

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.


Tonoa inaiānei | 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 during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 29 March 2026
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Matt Flynn, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitors, at mflynn@doc.govt.nz