Ranger Treaty | Tūtei Tiriti

• Lead and grow meaningful Treaty partnerships across Te Arawa that support iwi aspirations and contribute to positive conservation outcomes.

• Be part of a passionate team committed to authentic relationships and iwi-led environmental initiatives.

• Salary range: $69,429 to $88,181 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent, full-time position | based in Rotorua

Support iwi aspirations, foster strong Treaty relationships, implement treaty settlement obligations and contribute to impactful conservation projects.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role
Are you passionate about building strong Treaty partnerships, supporting iwi aspirations and implementing treaty settlement obligations in conservation? Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) is seeking a dedicated Treaty Ranger to lead and support Treaty partnership outcomes across Te Arawa.
This is a unique opportunity to work alongside iwi, hapū, and whānau to strengthen relationships, support iwi-led conservation projects, and help deliver meaningful settlement outcomes for people and nature.
As a Treaty Ranger, you will play a key role in fostering trusted partnerships, coordinating conservation initiatives, and ensuring Treaty commitments are reflected in planning, delivery, and reporting activities. You'll also support the wider Operations team to enhance understanding of Treaty obligations and advance partnership priorities across the district. You will be supported by the Rotorua Kaitohu Matua, District Leadership Team and regional Treaty team.
Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and genuine partnership to create lasting conservation outcomes.

The position will be focussed on:

• Iwi Relationships and Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with iwi, hapū, marae, community groups, and key stakeholders to support shared conservation objectives.

• Embedding Cultural Perspectives: Ensure Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and iwi-specific aspirations are meaningfully incorporated into conservation planning and delivery.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Track progress, evaluate outcomes, and provide reporting on partnership activities, achievements, challenges, and opportunities.

• Supporting Conservation Outcomes: Contribute to both DOC priorities and iwi-led taiao initiatives that deliver environmental and cultural benefits.

• Programme Delivery and Implementation: Support the planning, delivery, and monitoring of conservation programmes including biodiversity restoration and pest management initiatives in partnership with Iwi.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We're looking for a proactive and relationship-focused professional who is passionate about strengthening iwi involvement in conservation. You will bring sound knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to working in genuine partnership with iwi and hapū across Te Arawa.

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

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining trusted, respectful relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, and community stakeholders.

• A strong appreciation of Te Ao Māori and tikanga, alongside a genuine commitment to working collaboratively with whānau, hapū, and iwi.

• Experience working with government agencies, local authorities, or other public sector organisations.

• Experience in iwi and hapū spaces, community-based conservation, stakeholder engagement, or public outreach.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, manage challenges, and implement practical solutions.

• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams to achieve shared conservation and Treaty partnership objectives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, facilitation, and presenting to diverse audiences.

• Knowledge and understanding of Te Reo Māori, tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Treaty settlement commitments, and the iwi partnership landscape.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and confidence learning new digital systems and tools.

• Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate issues, identify opportunities, and develop solutions aligned with Treaty and organisational priorities.

• The ability to remain effective under pressure and navigate complex situations with professionalism.

• Strong emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and relationship-building skills that foster trust and credibility with colleagues, iwi, and stakeholders.

• A full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Desirable:

• Experience building cultural capability within teams or government organisations is an advantage

• A sound understanding of Treaty settlements and the responsibilities and obligations that result from these, and what they mean for DOCs work

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: $69,429 to $88,181, 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 Tuesday 22nd September 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Jasmin Jackson, Principal Ranger at [email protected]