Ranger Project Lead Biosecurity and Biodiversity

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Salary Range: $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experience Permanent, fulltime position | based in Whangārei

Our vision\n

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa 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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC

About the role\n

Help protect some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant island ecosystems Lead impactful projects that directly enhance visitor experiences and protect Te Taiao across the region. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ranger Project Lead to join our Islands and Aquatic team and play a pivotal role in delivering conservation outcomes across Whangārei District’s remote island network. This is an exciting opportunity to lead complex biodiversity and biosecurity programmes in some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most ecologically important offshore environments. Working across a diverse portfolio of projects, you will provide operational leadership, technical expertise, programme coordination, and strategic planning to support the protection and restoration of island ecosystems. With increasing investment, evolving biosecurity risks, and growing expectations around conservation outcomes and Treaty partnership engagement, this role is critical to ensuring the successful delivery of both current programmes and future priorities. As Ranger Project Lead, you will provide leadership across a range of biodiversity and biosecurity initiatives, supporting the delivery of the Whangārei District Remote Islands Programme and contributing to key regional and national conservation priorities. While island visits and field operations form an important part of the role, the position is primarily office-based, with a strong focus on project planning, programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, reporting, budget management, and ensuring the successful delivery of conservation outcomes across multiple workstreams.

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The position will be focussed on:

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• Leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of remote island biodiversity and biosecurity projects.
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• Providing technical oversight and expert advice on biosecurity, weed management, and island ecosystem management.
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• Managing contractors, service providers, and project resources to ensure safe and effective delivery of work programmes.
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• Supporting operational readiness and incident response activities.
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• Building and maintaining strong relationships with iwi, hapū, partners, stakeholders, and community groups.
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• Contributing to strategic planning and the delivery of Northland's Island Safe Havens priorities.
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• Supporting business continuity, capability development, and operational resilience within the Islands and Aquatic team.
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• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with organisational objectives and conservation outcomes.
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Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience\n

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of some of New Zealand’s most unique and valuable island ecosystems. You will work alongside passionate conservation professionals and play a key role in delivering nationally significant biodiversity and biosecurity outcomes. If you are an experienced conservation practitioner who thrives on leadership, collaboration, and delivering conservation at scale, we’d love to hear from you. We are keen to hear from you, if you have;

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• Demonstrated experience leading complex conservation, biodiversity, biosecurity, or natural resource management projects.
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• Strong knowledge of island ecology, pest management, biosecurity systems, and biodiversity conservation.
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• Experience managing contractors, budgets, and project delivery.
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• Proven ability to lead field operations in challenging and remote environments.
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• Strong planning, risk management, and organisational skills.
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• Committed and motivated to work without constant supervision.
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• Experience building effective partnerships and working collaboratively with iwi and stakeholders.
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• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
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• The ability to think strategically while maintaining a practical, hands‑on approach to delivery.
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• A commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
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• You’re delivery‑focused, highly organised, and continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency
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• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori is an advantage.
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• Skippers licence would be desired
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• Full New Zealand drivers’ licence
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He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?\n

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

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Salary: $69,429 to $88,181, depending on skills and experience.

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

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Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 9th August 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Mat Hemara, Principal Ranger Islands and Aquatic at [email protected]\n