Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua

doc· Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai
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📍 Aoraki Mt CookFull time💰 USD 94K–119K
Full timeDepartment of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai

About this role

  • Combine you passion for people leadership, operations delivery, and conservation

  • Unique opportunity to live, work & make your mark in a spectacular national park

  • Influential role, helping set the direction of Aoraki as we evolve

  • Permanent role, based in Aoraki/ Mount Cook, Salary range $93,656 - $118,510

Lead people, infrastructure, and conservation outcomes in one of New Zealand's most iconic locations – Aoraki/ Mount Cook

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Aoraki/Mount Cook is home to some of New Zealand's most significant natural landscapes and attracts visitors from around the world.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Principal Ranger is a key leadership role responsible for leading teams, delivering priority work programmes, managing critical village infrastructure and contributing to the long-term success of this unique place.

The position will be focussed on:

  • Managing budgets, financial performance, risks and operational delivery, monitoring outcomes and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve conservation and service delivery objectives.

  • Planning and delivering work programmes, ensuring resources are used effectively and work is completed safely, on time and within budget.

  • Leading and developing a high-performing team, including recruitment, onboarding and coaching.

  • Leading the management of critical infrastructure, assets and essential services at Aoraki / Mount Cook Village, including drinking water, wastewater, roading and waste management, ensuring compliance, service levels and operational performance support the needs of visitors, the community and concessionaires.

  • Being part of the District Leadership Team and contributing to decisions around resources and priorities

  • Building productive relationships with iwi, stakeholders, community partners and other teams across DOC.

This role is based on site at Aoraki/ Mount Cook. Accommodation may be available if required – unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets within the National Park.

Click here for the Role Description

To find out more about the Aoraki/ Mount Cook team and what its like to live here, take a look at our Applicant Info Sheet

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

  • Strong financial, budget and resource management skills

  • Experience in strategic planning, project delivery and contract management

  • Experience managing local body infrastructure such as water, roading and waste management (desirable)

  • Comfortable in operational field delivery in a field-based environment

  • An experienced people leader who is skilled at empowering, motivating, and creating a positive team culture

  • A strong and proactive communicator and collaborator, with the ability to build effective relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with whānau, hapū and iwi, as well as communities, businesses and other partners

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $93,656 - $118,510, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 2nd September. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua role at doc?
The listed salary for this Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua position at doc is USD 94K–119K. This is an Full time role.
Where is the Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua position at doc located?
This Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua role at doc is based in Aoraki Mt Cook. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua role at doc full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua role in the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai department at doc.
Which team or department does the Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua at doc belong to?
This Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua position is part of the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai department at doc. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua position at doc?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to doc's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua job at doc posted?
This Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua position at doc was posted on Aug 19, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua
doc · 💰 USD 94K–119K
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