Principal Ranger (Local Body) | Tūtei Mātāmua

Sorry, this job was removed at 12:38 p.m. (UTC) on Wednesday, Sep 02, 2026
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Hiring Remotely in Aoraki/Mount Cook, Canterbury, NZL
Remote
94K-119K Annually
Entry level
Other
The Role
Leads people, operational delivery, conservation programmes, budgets, and critical village infrastructure at Aoraki/Mount Cook. The role manages water, wastewater, roading, waste services, assets, risks, contracts, and work programmes while ensuring compliance, safety, service quality, and effective resource use. It also contributes to district leadership and builds relationships with iwi, communities, concessionaires, and other stakeholders.
Summary Generated by Built In
  • 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 Tūroa

Mō 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.

Click here for the Role Description

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | 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 whānau, hapū and iwi, as well as communities, businesses and other partners

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.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

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. 

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]

Skills Required

  • Strong financial, budget, and resource management skills
  • Experience in strategic planning, project delivery, and contract management
  • Experience managing local body infrastructure, including water, roading, and waste management
  • Comfortable with operational field delivery in a field-based environment
  • Experience as a people leader, including empowering, motivating, and developing teams
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder relationship-building skills
  • Ability to work effectively with whānau, hapū, iwi, communities, businesses, and partners
  • Valid New Zealand work visa covering the duration of employment

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The Company
HQ: Auckland
3,862 Employees
Year Founded: 1987

What We Do

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) is a government agency responsible for conserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage. It protects and restores nature, leads biodiversity efforts, manages conservation lands and resources, and enables others to contribute to conservation outcomes. DOC also administers relevant conservation legislation and supports the stewardship of land, water, wildlife, and historic places across New Zealand.

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