Ranger Project Lead, Heritage and Visitors

• Are you passionate about looking after tracks, huts, campsites, and popular tourist sites?
• This is an opportunity to lead the day-to-day operations of our Heritage and Visitor team.
• Full time, permanent role based in Fox Glacier, with departmental accommodation options available.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive 

Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Ranger Project Lead (Heritage and Visitors) based in Fox Glacier, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of the work plan. With support and direction from the supervisor based in Franz Josef, you will lead back country and front country heritage and visitor maintenance and development projects. In this role, you will:

• lead assigned projects, including historic site restoration, back country and front country track work, hut and amenity site maintenance
• maintain back country bridges and other structures
• take a keen interest in visitors safety in the area
• provide leadership in the field and run the day-to-day operations of the small Fox Glacier Heritage and Visitors team
• manage contracts when required
• lead a positive team culture, setting an example for others.

You may be required to spend extended periods of time (up to 10 days) in the backcountry, often in remote and rugged terrain.

You will be joining a positive and enthusiast team delivering conservation outcomes in South Westland. The South Westland area encompasses some 800,000 ha of Public Conservation Land. A significant proportion of this is Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and includes such gems as Ōkārito (Three Mile, Wharf Shed and Trig Walk), Gillespies Beach, Copland Track/Welcome Flat Hut, and the icon sites of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers – Lake Matheson and Ship Creek.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about achieving greater conservation outcomes for South Westland. You will be highly motivated, well organised and have a positive attitude towards improving the Heritage and Visitors programmes. 

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

• hands on and practical skills in chainsaws, scrub bars and basic carpentry/building experience
• high level of physical fitness and experience in the backcountry, particularly in remote and rugged terrain
• experience leading projects or programs, including planning, implementation, supervision, delivery within budget and timeframes, and reporting
• proven relationship building and contract management experience
• first aid certificate and a Class 1 or above driver licence, with the ability to drive a manual
• tech savvy with a drive to learn new systems, including the ability to use computer databases and information systems
• excellent resilience, communications skills, a positive attitude and ability to use your own initiative
• ability to lead teams, work independently, and as part of a team
• ability to live and work in a small, remote community
• strong health and safety focus.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme.

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. 

The salary range for this position is $62,535 to $79,906 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. 

Applications close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 31 January 2023 

For further enquiries, contact:

• Ian Singleton, Senior Ranger, 027 544 0885, isingleton@doc.govt.nz
• Marie Kealey, Recruitment Advisor, mkealey@doc.govt.nz

Job reference: DOC/1691237