Ranger, Community (Statutory)

at  Department of Conservation

• Are you passionate about conservation and sharing knowledge? If you have a transferable skillset, attention to detail and are process orientated, apply now!
• The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $75,603- flexible working supported
• Permanent, full-time role based in Wanaka or Alexandra.

NGA PUKENGA ME NGA WHEAKO | SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are seeking a critical thinker with strong communication skills and a passion for conservation.

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

• excellent communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely using plain English, to provide context, critical analysis, and logical recommendations for decision makers
• critical thinker with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, and management documents
• strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, capable of fostering effective relationships
• a proactive mindset with excellent organisational skills, and ability to prioritise competing demands
• willingness to engage with external stakeholders, attend meetings, and conduct site visits
• proficient IT skills, comfortable using database systems
• experience working within a statutory framework, compliance, regulatory space, or a similar process-based environment
• a valid full drivers’ license

Desirable:

• a good understanding of te ao Maori me nga tikanga
• experience in working with and partnering with statutory authorities, community groups, iwi or business groups
• experience and/or tertiary qualification in communications, legal, or ecology
• knowledge of the Central Otago region.

As a Community Ranger, your primary focus will be safeguarding conservation values by managing and assessing applications for activities on Public Conservation Land. While the Role Description focuses on advocacy, your main responsibilities will be statutory based, with some opportunities for community engagement.

In this role you will:

• Process one off permits from start to finish, including pre-application meetings, assessing the activity against statutory documents, writing recommendation reports and permit conditions to manage impacts on conservation land.
• Collaborate with team members across the Department to understand conservation values and how these may be impacted by an activity.
• Provide input on long term permits, Resource Management and Crown Pastoral Land Act processes, detailing affected conservation values and recommending measures to minimise impacts.
• Monitor commercial or private activity on public conservation land to ensure compliance.
• Work closely with iwi, gathering their advice and integrating their perspectives into land use decisions.
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
• Provide administrative, liaison and advocacy support to community led projects that seek to achieve conservation and recreation outcomes.