Ranger Project Lead Heritage and Visitors at Department of Conservation, West Coast

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Take the lead with hands-on conservation projects in rugged, remote, and remarkable places.
  
  
• Salary: $69, 429 - $88,181 with DOC rental accommodation available.
  
  
• Permanent, full-time role in Franz Josef.

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



Mō te tūranga | About the role
With support from the Principal Ranger, you'll lead the day'to'day delivery of the work programme and take responsibility for delivering back'country and front'country heritage and visitor maintenance and development projects.



The position will be focussed on:

• Leading assigned projects, including historic site restoration, track work, hut and amenity maintenance.
• Field leadership and overseeing the day'to'day operations of the Heritage and Visitors team.
• Providing technical advice, guidance, and mentoring to support and develop others.
• Managing contracts where required.
• Building and maintaining strong internal and external relationships.
  

This role involves spending extended periods in the back country (up to 10 days at a time), often in remote and rugged terrain.



Click here for the Role Description



Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Practical field skills, including chainsaw use, scrub bar work, and basic carpentry/building.
• Experience leading projects or programmes, from planning through to delivery and reporting.
• Ability to lead and mentor others.
• Confidence using computers and workplace apps, with a willingness to learn new systems.
• Excellent relationship building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• A high level of physical fitness, with backcountry experience.
• The ability to live and work in a small, remote community.
• A strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
• Valid driver's licence, with the ability to drive a manual.
  

Mō te tīma | About the team
You will be joining a positive and enthusiastic team delivering conservation outcomes in South Westland with over thirty permanent staff spread across three locations - Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Haast. Click here to get more of an idea of the area and our team.



DOC rental accommodation is available if required.



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 $69, 429 - $88,181 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 Tuesday 16 June 2026



Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Binesh Naidu, Principal Ranger, at +64 27 213 9092 or bnaidu@doc.govt.nz