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Posted 06 August, 2026

Principal Ranger | Tūtei Mātāmua

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai
Tauranga, BOP, NZ Full Time
Reference: 3226d0c357649212

Job Description

Champion conservation success through strong leadership and collaboration Permanent role | Salary range - $92,912 - $117,570 Tauranga Based 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. As part of this, the Regional Operations Group delivers the frontline conservation work that protects and enhances the places, species, and ecosystems entrusted to DOC. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Principal Ranger is a key operational leadership role responsible for leading district-based teams and supporting the effective delivery of priority work programmes that achieve meaningful conservation outcomes across the Eastern North Island region. Recruiting and onboarding staff and building a positive and collaborative team environment Planning, scheduling and assigning work, ensuring tasks are delivered within timelines and budget Being part of the District Leadership Team and contributing to decisions around resources and priorities Understanding and respecting the importance of the work for Māori/ iwi, fostering positive working relationships to reach mutually beneficial outcomes Managing budgets and financials; tracking outputs, outcomes, and risks Collaborate across internal teams and with our community partners Lead by example by building strong relationships and consistently acting with integrity in everything you do Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you: an experienced people leader who is skilled at empowering, motivating, and creating a positive team culture strong financial and resource management skills comfortable in operational field delivery A strong and proactive communicator and collaborator, you build strong internal and external relationships with ease project and contract management experience ability to work alongside whānau, hapū, iwi collaboratively and effectively, as well as the community, businesses, and others. 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. 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. For further enquiries, please contact Jessyca Bernard, Operations Manager, [email protected] Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 18th August. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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