Supervisor/Senior Ranger (Community/Visitor Centre)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Align your passion with your mahi by leading, coaching, and mentoring others to achieve our visitor centre and community conservation initiatives!
• The salary range for this position is $79,656 to $100,639.
• Permanent, full-time role-based at Punakaiki.

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

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

You'll work across a stunning stretch of the coast, from Karamea to Barrytown, leading two dedicated teams— our Visitor Centre team in Punakaiki, comprising of three rangers, two long-term casuals, and a summer ranger; and our Community team in Westport, made up of two rangers.

You will oversee the visitor centre's day-to-day operations and plan, schedule, and supervise the teams to deliver on our work programmes. Working closely with the Operations Manager, you'll be at the forefront of planning, tracking budgets, and aligning work with DOC's strategic priorities. This role combines leadership, community engagement, partnership with iwi and supervision of work delivery. You'll work alongside your team and collaborate with stakeholders to innovate and maximise the Visitor Centre experience while fostering the growth of community conservation initiatives.

The Visitor Centre team are based at the new Dolomite Point Experience Centre, a shared space with Ngāti Wāewae, where we provide visitor services for Paparoa National Park. This exciting partnership sees Ngāti Wāewae owning and managing the centre, re-establishing a cultural footprint for mana whenua at the site.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We're looking for a proven leader to manage diverse teams across two locations, 55 km apart. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• strong leadership skills with ability to mentor and manage staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• proven skills in planning and budget management, with experience using financial tools to track, adjust, and meet objectives (SAP experience is a plus)
• previous experience engaging and working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua, as well as an understanding of the implications of te Tiriti o Waitangi
• excellent interpersonal skills, with strengths in negotiation and relationship management
• strong organisational and analytical skills, with sound judgment and adaptability to effectively solve problems and implement change
• strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting, monitoring, and advising
• commitment and knowledge to conservation and its role in New Zealand's wellbeing, with broad knowledge of the tourism sector and public engagement
• full driver's license required with the ability to travel between sites.

More about the area

DOC accommodation is available if needed—a private, sunny three-bedroom house with sea views right beside Paparoa National Park, where you can enjoy watching dolphins from your window!

Punakaiki is nestled between Paparoa National Park and the Punakaiki Marine Reserve, about halfway between Westport (55 km north) and Greymouth (43 km south) on the West Coast of the South Island. This family-friendly village offers an incredible lifestyle with endless outdoor activities at your doorstep, including surfing, cycling, tramping, fishing, hunting, and kayaking. A local primary school is just a 15-minute drive away in Barrytown.

With approximately 100 permanent residents, Punakaiki has an active social scene, hosting regular open mic nights and community gatherings. In summer, the area welcomes over 500,000 tourists to Dolomite Point, creating a vibrant atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Click here to discover more about Punakaiki and the stunning West Coast!

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 $79,656 to $100,639 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 katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 12 December 2024.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Scott Freeman, Senior Ranger Biodiversity at sfreeman@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1828868