Supervisor - Fixed-Term Conservation Role

About the Role

This position involves managing a team of Rangers dedicated to protecting the New Zealand Fairy Tern (Tara iti), the country's rarest endemic breeding bird, with fewer than 45 individuals remaining. The primary focus is overseeing conservation activities during the summer nesting season to ensure safe breeding and chick rearing with minimal disturbances.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a team of seasonal Rangers engaged in critical conservation efforts from South Head to Whangārei.
• Plan, schedule, and ensure timely and safe completion of conservation tasks.
• Coordinate with permanent staff, operations managers, community groups, and stakeholders to facilitate effective work.
• Enhance team capability by providing necessary training, managing rosters, and ensuring workforce capacity aligns with work requirements.
• Provide people leadership by assigning duties, setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, and fostering an environment based on trust, respect, and continual improvement.
• Proactively manage wellbeing for self and the team.
• Identify and promptly report critical issues, including safety concerns.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Significant experience in supervising or leading teams, supported by sound leadership principles.
• Proficient in engaging and working collaboratively with iwi, hapū, whānau, and tangata whenua.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Well-developed organizational skills to manage multiple personnel and projects simultaneously.
• High ethical standards, confidentiality, and dedication to public service values.
• Commitment to health and safety best practices, with knowledge of field safety preferred.
• Basic fitness to work and travel on foot in coastal environments.
• Flexible availability, including weekends and occasional evenings, especially for emergency responses.
• Desirable: Knowledge of New Zealand conservation management and threatened species programs, particularly prior involvement with the Tara iti projects.

Additional Information

• This is a fixed-term, full-time role from September 2026 to March 2027 with flexible working arrangements available.
• A five-day work roster is standard, including weekends, with two days off per week.
• The role reports to the Principal Ranger and benefits from team support and comprehensive training.
• No accommodation is provided; applicants must secure their own lodging if not residing within commuting distance to Warkworth or Whangārei.
• The salary ranges from NZD 80,695 to NZD 101,951 annually, depending on skills and experience.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand throughout the employment period.
• Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 27 July 2026.

About the Employer

The Department of Conservation embodies the vision of a thriving natural environment in Aotearoa New Zealand. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to foster a workplace culture where everyone can grow and succeed.