Principal Ranger | Tutei Matamua

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

Mo te turanga | 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 position within our Fiordland District Leadership team. Based in Te Anau, this role leads the delivery of an extensive Heritage & Visitor work programme across one of New Zealand's most iconic and complex destinations.

The position will be focussed on:

Lead, develop and support supervisors, team leaders and seasonal staff, building a positive, high-performing team culture that delivers exceptional visitor and heritage outcomes.

Planning, prioritising and overseeing operational work programmes, ensuring delivery within agreed timeframes and budgets.

Managing complex infrastructure and asset portfolios, including capital works and operational upgrade projects.

Working collaboratively with iwi and Maori partners to support mutually beneficial conservation outcomes.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with concessionaires, tourism operators, contractors, community groups and other external stakeholders.

Monitoring programme performance, financials, risks and operational outcomes, making informed decisions to achieve district priorities.

Leading responses to unplanned events, including severe weather impacts and emergency situations, while coordinating with internal and external agencies.

Championing a strong health, safety and wellbeing culture across all operations.

Contributing as an active member of the Fiordland District Leadership Team and working closely with fellow Principal Rangers to deliver district objectives.

Click here for the Role Description

This position combines office and field-based responsibilities, both of which contribute to the successful delivery of the work programme. Based in our Te Anau Office, the position includes regular field work, so experience working in remote and operational field environments would be advantageous. Occasional weekend and after-hours work may be required to meet operational demands.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

We are interested in experienced operational leaders who can influence, build relationships and lead teams in complex environments.

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

an experienced people leader who can develop others, foster a positive team culture, and lead high-performing teams across a complex operational environment

strong financial, resource and programme management skills, with experience in planning, prioritising and delivering work programmes and projects

experience leading operational delivery, ideally within visitor services, infrastructure, tourism, conservation, asset management, or a related field.

A confident communicator and relationship builder who can establish credibility and work effectively with internal teams, iwi, concessionaires, contractors, tourism operators, and community stakeholders

Project management and/or emergency management experience (PRINCE2, CIMS or equivalent advantageous).

Experience leading teams in geographically dispersed or remote environments.

He aha nga painga mou? | 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.

Want to know more?

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: $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.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on 9th August 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz