Ranger Project Lead Community (Statutory)

• Drive statutory work that makes a real impact for nature and communities
• Salary: $68,878 to $87,265.
• Permanent, full-time role based from Westport.

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

In this role, you’ll support the Buller District by leading statutory and permissions work for our community team. You’ll bring specialist knowledge to guide decision‑making, ensure high‑quality planning, and keep complex work programmes on track.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading the planning and delivery of key work programmes
• Processing statutory and permissions applications accurately and efficiently
• Providing critical support and input into policy document reviews
• Strengthening iwi relationships and developing and maintaining key stakeholder and partnership contributions
• Supporting the Visitor Centre crew in Punakaiki when required.

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:

• Strong background and/or capability in statutory and permissions processing
• Experience working in permissions, statutory functions, conservation operations, or project delivery
• Strong planning, coordination, and organisational skills
• Strong relationship building and negotiation skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate technical information clearly
• Strong written communication skills, including preparing reports and responses
• High levels of professionalism, accuracy, and judgement
• Understanding of Te Tiriti partnership and comfort engaging with tangata whenua
• Full current driver licence.

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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

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 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 Wednesday 21 January.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact Justin Blacklock at