Ranger Project Lead Treaty Implementation - Kapiti

• Bring your relationship- and project management skills to this purpose-rich, Mana Whenua-focused role.

• Take a kaupapa Māori approach to delivering conservation and create a deep and positive change.

• Salary ranges from $68,878 to $87,265 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent full time, based at the Kāpiti District Office in Porirua, with flexible working supported

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Are you passionate about being at the forefront of Mana Whenua partnership and conservation leadership in Aotearoa? Join us in working together to protect and celebrate our natural treasures.

As Project Lead Treaty, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Kapiti Wellington Operations District Team. You’ll help deliver DOC’s Treaty Settlement and statutory obligations and lead projects that create meaningful outcomes for conservation.

In this role, you’ll be a leader in understanding our operational responsibilities and obligations under relevant legislation. You’ll work closely with our Treaty Partners, your colleagues, local authorities, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. You’ll bring people together to achieve meaningful, measurable results.

The position will be focussed on:

• Building and maintaining positive relationships with our Treaty Partners to plan and implement joint work programmes.

• Identifying gaps in Treaty settlement implementation responsibilities across the district and working with the Operations team to plan for and remedy gaps, working with Regional Treaty Partnership Team staff to do so.

• Advising on District processes for iwi engagement.

• Engaging with community groups and stakeholders to support them to grow their understanding of Treaty partnerships and support conservation outcomes.

• Supporting the cultural capability programme of the wider team.

• Liaising with team members across the Department to understand and incorporate their expertise in the advice provided to managers and decision makers.

• Representing DOC and coordinating cross-agency initiatives within your area
  of responsibility.

Click here for the Role Description

You’ll be part of a small, supportive district team, where there are always opportunities to help each other across different functions, whether that’s supporting the biodiversity team with snail monitoring or lending a hand to the heritage team with track maintenance. The opportunities to learn and contribute are plentiful!

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for an enthusiastic team player, well-organised and great at relationships, communication and problem solving. You will be versatile, resilient, and able to tackle a variety of work.

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

• Interest in conservation,

• Demonstrated understanding of Treaty principles, tikanga Māori, Kaitiakitanga, wairuatanga, manaakitanga and iwitanga to work effectively with tangata whenua.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a proven ability to
  write accurate, clear, and concise reports.

• The ability to navigate and balance differing perspectives while maintaining alignment with DOC goals.

• Experience in leading your own projects.

• Excellent IT skills, comfortable using database systems and navigating legislative processes.

• Proven ability to problem-solve, critical-thinking and analysis skills, ability to provide
  mutually beneficial outcomes.

• The ability to advice on Settlement legislation, policy, and management documents.

• A full New Zealand drivers’ licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Kapiti Wellington team are close-knit, look out for one another, and are passionate about the mahi that we do. We operate in an environment with highly engaged and knowledgeable iwi and community groups who care about the taiao and deliver outstanding mahi on the ground.  

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 28 October 2025

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Elly Peters, Senior Ranger/Supervisor Community - epeters@doc.govt.nz