Ranger Project Lead Community- Franz Josef

• Join the Predator Free South Westland project and help lead community engagement in one of Aotearoa's most ambitious conservation efforts.
• The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265.
• Full-time, 2-year fixed term opportunity - based in Franz Josef.

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

You will be the visible champion and strategic leader for community engagement in the Predator Free South Westland (PFSW) initiative. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in one of Aotearoa's most spectacular landscapes - uniting community, business, farming, tourism, iwi, and youth in a shared commitment to keeping South Westland predator free, now and for generations to come.

Your mahi will be pivotal to the long-term success of eliminating possums, rats, and stoats from over 100,000 hectares between the Whataroa and Waiau (Wahio) rivers, from the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana to the Tasman Sea Te Tai-o-Rēhua.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Leading strategic community engagement and adapting strategies as needed for long-term success.
• Building strong partnerships with iwi, stakeholders, community groups, schools, businesses and external organisations.
• Coordinating hui, workshops, and forums to support community participation.
• Empowering rangatahi to take leadership roles in conservation, integrating mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori into learning and engagement.
• Raise visibility and impact by sharing stories through media and community channels.
• Championing the alignment of PFSW with the national Predator Free 2050 (PF2050) goal.

Click here for the Role Description.

Discover more about the Predator Free South Westland project and its impact.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• A natural communicator and relationship builder, able to inspire and unite diverse groups around a shared vision
• Proven experience in community engagement, conservation, project leadership, or related fields
• A passion for protecting Aotearoa
• An ability to juggle tasks whilst maintaining attention to detail
• Proficiency with MS programmes and comfort in navigating systems and processes
• An understanding of the importance of a good health and safety culture
• A valid driving licence
• A current first aid certificate is desirable.

Mō te tīma | About the team

You will be joining a positive and enthusiastic team delivering conservation outcomes in South Westland with over thirty permanent staff spread across three locations - Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Haast.

Click here to get more of an idea of the area and our team.

Shared DOC accommodation is available if required.

Why join us?

• Lead a flagship conservation project
• Work with passionate people in a world-class landscape
• Empower communities and future generations.

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 kamahi 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

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help shape the future of South Westland.

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 Monday, 3 November.

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 Chris Monson at

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