Ranger Project Lead - Heritage and Visitors

• Permanent Full-Time role | 2-3 year posting to Chatham Islands
• $69,429 - $88,181 + allowances – depending on skills and experience
• Hands on diverse role contributing to Conservation outcomes

Lead conservation where it truly counts—project lead role on the Chatham Islands, protecting heritage, visitors and wild places in a remote setting.

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

This is a rare opportunity to take on a highly autonomous Ranger Project Lead role based in the Chatham Islands, supporting conservation outcomes in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most unique and challenging environments.

The role sits within the Masterton operations team but is physically located on the Chathams and works closely with remote senior leaders, local staff, contractors, mana whenua and the Chatham Islands community. You’ll provide practical leadership and project delivery across a wide range of work programmes, enabling specialist teams to focus on priority biodiversity mahi.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As Ranger Project Lead – Heritage and Visitors, you’ll lead and deliver operational conservation projects in a remote island setting where pro-activeness, adaptability, sound judgement and a practical “can‑do” mindset are essential.

The work is diverse and hands‑on, covering infrastructure, assets and site management. You’ll be trusted to operate with a high level of independence while maintaining strong links with your remote leadership team.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading and delivering ranger projects and work programmes to a high standard
• Maintaining tracks, huts and visitor assets, including on offshore islands
• Oversight of culturally significant sites on conservation land
• Contractor management and relationship management with key stakeholders
• Ensuring all work complies with DOC systems, policies and safety requirements
• Keeping our workshops, fleet and equipment safe, reliable and ready to go.

This role requires someone comfortable working at both the practical “on‑the‑tools” level and a higher planning and coordination level, delivering work that requires sound due diligence and professional judgement.

Click here for the Role Description

Find out what its like to live and work on the Chatham Islands

We’re currently recruiting for multiple roles on the Chatham Islands - these are permanent positions with an initial 2–3 year posting. Visit our Careers page to learn more.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You’ll be a capable, resilient ranger with a practical, solutions focused mindset and the ability to work independently in a small team within a remote island environment.

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

• Broad hands‑on experience in operational or ranger work, including track and asset maintenance, hut and facility management, and general repairs (e.g. chainsaw use, basic building and plumbing). Trade qualifications are desirable but not necessary.
• A strong “#8 wire”, jack‑of‑all‑trades approach, with sound judgement and the ability to problem‑solve when resources are limited
• Proven ability to plan, lead and deliver work programmes autonomously, while maintaining strong connections with remotely based senior leaders
• Experience managing contractors and maintaining professional relationships in small, close‑knit and sometimes complex stakeholder environments
• A high level of professionalism and commitment to health, safety, compliance and public service values
• The resilience to uphold standards under pressure and adapt to changing priorities in a busy operational setting

You’ll also:

• Hold a full, clean New Zealand driver licence (experience and qualifications driving LUV / 4WD is desirable)
• Be willing to obtain and maintain a high‑level first aid qualification (e.g. PHEC – training supported)
• Be comfortable working in remote locations, including offshore islands

Our Values

At The Department of Conservation, everyone’s journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That’s why we believe your career should be more than a role… it should be a path that reflects who you are, what you value, and the difference you want to make.

Here, you’ll find more than a workplace. You’ll find a team united and guided by values that matter:

• Integrity, because trust and honesty are non-negotiable
• Empowerment, because when we lift each other, we all rise higher
• Connection, because collaboration sparks progress
• Achievement, because results mean more when they create real impact

This is a place where nature thrives because people do.

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.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience, and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai and taking on this remote posting.

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

The salary range for this position is $69,429 - $88,181 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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 7th June

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, ***email_hidden***