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Posted 22 August, 2026

Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua

Department of Conservation (DOC)
Christchurch, CAN, NZ Full Time
Reference: 62c9b67409bfa355

Job Description

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 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 Tšuuroa Mū 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. 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 Ngą į\, īŇ ċu | 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 whāŅ, hapū and iwi, as well as communities, businesses and other partners He aha āngā œă’? | 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. 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] #J-18808-Ljbffr

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