Ranger Project Lead, Treaty Implementation

Bring your relationship management skills to this tchakat henu/tangata whenua focused role
- Use a kaupapa Moriori/Maori approach to support Moriori and Maori to achieve conservation outcomes
- Permanent full-time role based on the Chatham Islands (with island accommodation negotiable)

**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa**
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

**He angitutanga | About the role**
Are you keen to be at the leading edge of Imi/Iwi partnership and conservation leadership for the Chathams Wairarapa District?

We are seeking a Ranger Project Lead Treaty Implementation to spearhead the implementation of vital initiatives in collaboration with our Treaty partners. This role is about fostering partnerships and ensuring that our conservation efforts align with the Departments Treaty obligations as well as cultural values.

The position will be focussed on:

- Supporting Imi and Iwi to practice tchiekitanga and kaitiakitanga at sites of significance in their rohe
- Working with Imi and Iwi to develop meaningful relationships that help achieve shared aspirations across the rohe
- Coordinating regular hui with Imi/Iwi groups to strengthen relationships, discuss shared mahi and common interests
- Capturing, understanding and recommending work to ensure the Department meets its obligations under each of the settlements in the Chathams Wairarapa District
- Coordinating annual business planning with each Post Settlement Governance Entity to obtain Imi/Iwi input into our annual work programme
- Ensuring work is delivered to a high standard, managing risks and issues effectively
- Supporting the District team to establish networks with imi and iwi to ensure effective collaboration in the delivery of conservation work across the District
- Engaging with community groups and stakeholders to support conservation outcomes
- Supporting staff in the District to increase their cultural competency.

Click here for the Role Description

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience**
You will have great communication and engagement skills allowing a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You will know how to engage effectively with Imi and Iwi and show a willingness to learn karakii/karakia, pepeha and local tikane/tikanga to develop your capability in this area, which will assist your relationships with hunau/whanau and Imi/Iwi.

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

- Hokohunaungatanga/whakawhanaungatanga - an ability to foster and develop relationships with colleagues, public and tchakat henu/tangata whenua.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Imi and Iwi, community groups, and volunteers.
- Familiarity with Treaty settlement processes and DOC obligations.
- Excellent time management skills including planning, prioritising, allocating and monitoring resources to meet timeframes
- Strong proficiency in computer systems and databases, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies.
- Knowledge of ta re and tikane Moriori and te reo me ona tikanga Maori, supporting cultural understanding and partnership development.
- Full New Zealand Driver's Licence.

**Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | 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.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,878 - $87,265 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.

**Ra katinga | Applications close** at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 7 December 2025