Principal Ranger - Fiordland Heritage & Visitor Operations

Overview

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is dedicated to preserving New Zealand's natural and historical heritage for current and future generations. As a crucial part of the Fiordland District Leadership team, the Principal Ranger will be stationed in Te Anau and will lead the extensive Heritage and Visitor programmes within one of New Zealand’s most renowned and complex natural destinations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support supervisors, team leaders, and seasonal workers, cultivating a positive and high-achieving team environment that delivers excellent visitor and heritage results.
• Plan, prioritize, and supervise operational work efforts to ensure timely and budget-compliant delivery.
• Oversee management of complex infrastructure and asset portfolios, including capital projects and operational upgrades.
• Collaborate closely with iwi and Māori partners to deliver shared conservation goals.
• Maintain strong working relationships with concessionaires, tourism operators, contractors, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor performance metrics, financial reports, risks, and operational outcomes to guide decisions that align with district targets.
• Lead the response to emergencies and unexpected events such as severe weather, coordinating efforts with internal and external agencies.
• Promote a robust health, safety, and wellbeing culture throughout all operational activities.
• Actively contribute to the Fiordland District Leadership Team and collaborate with fellow Principal Rangers to fulfill district-wide priorities.

Required Experience and Skills

• Proven leadership experience managing teams in complex operational contexts, with a focus on developing talent and fostering a strong team culture.
• Strong skills in financial management, resource coordination, and program management with a track record of successful planning and delivery of work schedules and projects.
• Experience in operational management, preferably within visitor services, infrastructure, tourism, conservation, or asset management sectors.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, capable of establishing credibility and working effectively with diverse internal teams, iwi, contractors, tourism operators, and community stakeholders.
• Familiarity with project and emergency management frameworks such as PRINCE2 or CIMS is advantageous.
• Competence in leading teams dispersed across remote or geographically spread environments.

Additional Information

This role combines both office-based duties and significant fieldwork, including work in remote operational environments. Based in the Te Anau office, occasional weekend or after-hours work may be necessary to meet operational requirements.

Salary Range: NZD 93,656 to NZD 118,510 annually, dependent on skills and experience.

Work Visa Requirement: Applicants must hold a valid New Zealand work visa covering the full duration of employment.

Application Deadline: Applications close promptly at 11:59 pm on 9th August 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the position may be closed early.

Recruitment Note: Recruitment agencies will not be engaged for this vacancy.