Project Lead

Plan, manage and lead conservation projects in the Manawatu region and wider district.
- $68,535 - $86,423.
- Permanent full time, Palmerston North location.

**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.

**He angitutanga | About the role**

How would you like to join the team in delivering conservation outcomes across the beautiful Lower North Island region?

The Project Lead - Construction (Ranger Project Lead, Heritage & Visitors) is a member of the regional Planning and Performance Team involved in the planning, management, delivery and reporting of visitor asset maintenance projects. With support and direction from the Planning and Performance Manager and regional team, you will lead back country and front country heritage and visitor maintenance and development projects.

You will join the Regional Operations team to work alongside our Treaty partners and key stakeholders such as public agencies, landowners, iwi, hapu, whanau, and the wider community to advocate and achieve great outcomes for conservation that are sustainable and continue beyond the project.

The position will be focussed on:

- providing technical oversite to deliver quality heritage and visitor assets throughout the region
- maintaining recreational and historic facilities and structures
- overseeing contracts for goods and services, operational budgets, risk management and progress reporting
- leading a positive team culture, setting an example for others
- working with Treaty partners to be an honourable treaty partner and achieve shared conservation outcomes.

This is a predominantly field-based role and some overnight stays will be required.

Successful implementation of your work programme will depend upon your ability to establish and sustain strong relationships with external and internal stakeholders. You will work in true partnership with stakeholders and the community.

**Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience**

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

- Practical experience in construction, including experience building wooden structures and working in remote locations.
- Solid knowledge of the building code.
- Experience leading projects or programs, including planning, implementation, supervision, delivery within budget and timeframes, and reporting.
- Experience in contract management, including budget reporting skills.
- Ability to lead, train and mentor team members, and able to work independently.
- Tech savvy with a drive to learn new systems, including the ability to use computer databases and information systems.
- Strong stakeholder relationship skills to work effectively with diverse partners.
- Strong understanding of Tikanga and te ao Maori, able to deliver successfully in collaboration with tangata whenua.
- Ability to travel/be away from home for extended periods.
- High level of physical fitness.
- Strong health and safety focus.
- Full New Zealand driver license Class 1 or above, able to drive manual.

Desirable:

- A current LBP or trade qualification is desirable.
- A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in science or natural heritage management.
- LUV Certificate.

**Mo te tima | About the team**

The Regional Operations Group is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our biodiversity, recreation/historic, community engagement, iwi partners and visitor centre teams.

**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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,535 - $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._

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

**Ra katinga | Applications close** at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 26 February 2025.

**Taupanga | Job reference**: DOC/1841014