Ranger Project Lead Community

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead the planning and delivery of statutory focused work that drive meaningful conservation outcomes
• Leverage your expertise in statutory processes, stakeholder engagement and project management
• The salary range for this position is $68,535 to $86,423
• Permanent, full-time role based in Sunny Napier, alternative locations may be considered; Kāpiti Wellington, Palmerston North or Masterton office

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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.

Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Ranger/Project Lead Community (Statutory) you will use your expertise in statutory processes, community engagement, partnership building, and project management to lead cross-functional teams in achieving critical conservation outcomes. You'll be part of an energetic and hard-working regional statutory team, supporting and delivering statutory work and building/maintaining community relationships. You will be unpicking legislation and statutory planning documents, researching the conservation values of public conservation land, assessing applications and providing often detailed advice to managers and decision makers.  With a focus on statutory work and the Resource Management Act (RMA), you will be responsible for planning and delivering work. This will involve collaborating closely with iwi, local authorities, NGOs, and other key stakeholders to leverage collective efforts and deliver measurable results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive work plans for assigned tasks
• Operate within a statutory framework to assess permit applications for activities under the Conservation Act, Wildlife Act and Reserves Act and provide high quality advice to managers and decision makers
• Liaise with team members across the Department to understand and incorporate their expertise in the advice provided to managers and decision makers
• Provide high quality input on Resource Management Act processes, including describing affected conservation values and recommending outcomes to avoid/minimise the effects on these values
• Monitor commercial or private activity on public conservation land
• Mentor and support the work and skill development of others
• Provide support for statutory land management functions.
• Promote the value of local, regional, and national conservation initiatives
• Provide administrative, liaison and advocacy support to projects that seek to achieve more conservation through greater involvement of iwi, business and the wider community
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with iwi, local authorities, conservation groups, and other stakeholders
• Represent DOC and coordinate cross-agency initiatives within your area of responsibility

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have the following skills and experience, we are keen to hear from you:

• Significant practical experience working in a statutory environment, community engagement and project management
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to work successfully with tangata whenua and a range of partners
• Strong conceptual and critical analysis skills, able to distill key information from complex data
• Strong business writing and public communication abilities
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent knowledge in Resource or Environmental Management, Legal studies or Project Management
• Full New Zealand Drivers Licence
• Understanding of the Māori-Crown relationship and the ability to engage effectively with iwi
• Solid IT skills, including proficiency with database systems
• A good understanding of te ao Māori me ngā tikanga
• Experience planning and executing medium complexity projects
• Knowledge of the Conservation Act, Reserves Act, Resource Management Act and other relevant statutory requirements
• A proactive mindset with excellent organisational skills, and ability to prioritise competing demands and tight deadlines
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, and management documents
• Experience working in a regulatory environment
• Experience planning and executing medium complexity projects

If you have the skills, expertise, and passion to lead complex statutory work and drive conservation outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.

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 $68,535 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 20 November

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Rachael Mora, Statutory Manager, rmora@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1807075