Influential people leader role contributing to Conservation outcomes for Aotearoa
Permanent role Salary range - $92912 - $117570
Nelson based
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
The Department of Conservation has recently made some big changes to help our people and operations work better togetherso we can achieve the conservation outcomes were aiming for.
As part of this weve introduced a new role: Principal Ranger Statutory and Community. Reporting to the Statutory and Community Manager this position is all about leading district-based community rangers and supporting them to deliver priority work programmes effectively. The team works across the Northern South Island region to deliver our regulatory and community work.
The position will be focussed on:
Recruiting and onboarding staff and building a positive and collaborative team environment
Planning scheduling and assigning work ensuring tasks are delivered within timelines and budget
Understanding and respecting the importance of the work for Māori/ iwi fostering positive working relationships to reach mutually beneficial outcomes
Leading and developing work plans to support regional priorities and statutory work
Managing budgets and financials; tracking outputs outcomes and risks
Collaborating and maintaining positive working relationships internally and externally
Identifying critical issues and risks and ensure they are managed effectively
Lead by example by building strong relationships and consistently acting with integrity in everything you do
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 across a remote team
A strong and proactive communicator and collaborator you build strong internal and external relationships with ease
Strong understanding of statutory and policy frameworks including land management permissions and resource management
A clear communicator who can translate complex policy and technical information for a wide range of audiences
Proven experience applying legal and regulatory knowledge in a practical setting
Understanding where the MāoriCrown relationship plays a key role in DOCs responsibilities and decision making
Ability to work alongside whānau hapū iwi collaboratively and effectively as well as the community businesses and others.
Our Values
At The Department of Conservation everyones journey is unique. Every purpose personal. Thats why we believe your career should be more than a role it should be a path that reflects who you are what you value and the difference you want to make.
Here youll find more than a workplace. Youll find a team united and guided by values that matter:
Integrity because trust and honesty are non-negotiable
Empowerment because when we lift each other we all rise higher
Connection because collaboration sparks progress
Achievement because results mean more when they create real impact
This is a place where nature thrives because people do.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu Whats in it for you
DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate thrive and grow. Were 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 $92912 - $117570 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 whakakapi Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 1st March 2026.
Me he pātai anō whakapā mai For further enquiries please contact Leeza Young Senior Recruitment Advisor
Required Experience:
Staff IC