Ranger/Project Lead Biodiversity (Fixed Term)

• Lead meaningful initiatives that help protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique conservation values

• Partner with iwi, communities, and key stakeholders to deliver positive conservation outcomes 

• Salary range - $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experience

• Fixed term, full-time opportunity through to June 2027 with potential for extension subject to ongoing funding. 

• Reporting to the Kauri Coast Office this position can be based from our Dargaville, Whangārei, Pēwhairangi or Kaitāia office.

Drive the delivery of operational initiatives that support conservation outcomes across our region.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Department of Conservation protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. Our Regional Operations Group delivers the frontline conservation work that protects and enhances the places, species, and ecosystems entrusted to DOC. 

Reporting to the Principal Ranger, the Ranger Project Lead will provide support in delivering operational initiatives across the Northern North Island Region and its Districts.

This role will lead the coordination and delivery of DOC's Sea Spurge Management Programme in Northland, working collaboratively with a range of partners including MPI, local Regional Councils and Treaty Partners to protect coastal ecosystems from this invasive pest plant. Based in either Dargaville Whangārei, Pēwhairangi or Kaitāia, the role involves work across Northland, from Cape Reinga to Te Henga (Bethell’s Beach).

This is a fixed-term, full-time position through to June 2027, with potential for extension subject to ongoing funding.

Regular travel throughout the region will be required.

The position will be focussed on:

• Lead and deliver operational projects and programmes, including planning, coordination, reporting, budgeting, and health and safety management.

• Coordinate contractors, teams and resources to achieve project outcomes.

• Provide leadership in the field while managing day-to-day operations and project administration.

• Deliver the Northland Sea Spurge Programme, including surveillance, control, monitoring and reporting in accordance with MPI protocols.

• Maintain GIS mapping and spatial data to support programme delivery and monitoring.

• Develop communications initiatives and provide regular performance, financial and stakeholder reporting.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, communities, contractors and partner agencies.

• Contribute to national sea spurge management initiatives and attend relevant hui, conferences and working groups as required.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You're a motivated and organised project leader with experience in conservation, environmental operations, biosecurity, or a related field. You thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy working collaboratively to deliver outcomes.

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

• Experience in conservation, environmental management, biosecurity, or operational field work

• Experience delivering projects or programmes, including planning, implementation, reporting, and budget management

• Experience in invasive species, pest plant, or biosecurity programmes

• Knowledge of coastal ecosystems and New Zealand biosecurity frameworks

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and show initiative

• Understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and partnership-based conservation approaches.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including working with whānau, hapū, iwi, communities, contractors, and partner agencies

• Experience coordinating people, resources, and stakeholders to achieve project outcomes

• Confidence using GIS, GPS, or other spatial mapping tools

• Strong written skills for reporting, planning, and health and safety documentation

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly across Northland

• Current full New Zealand driver's licence

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.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

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: $69,429 to $88,181 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 Sunday 9th August 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Jordan Winiata, Senior Technical Advisor at jwiniata@doc.govt.nz