Are you someone who is passionate about the restoration of the natural environment for indigenous flora and fauna and is capable of leading restoration work plans and programmes in native ecosystems?
The Native Forest Restoration Trust is offering a renewable one-year part-time contract covering its Waikato reserves. It is anticipated that the role will require approximately 50 hours per month pro rata. However, additional hours may be available if needed, particularly during the first year as the Contractor builds relationships and becomes familiar with the reserves. There may also be opportunities to increase hours as new reserves come online.
While the primary focus is planning and prioritising program delivery (approximately 42 hours per month), the role also includes roughly 8 hours per month of direct field-based work, such as pest control, planting, and minor maintenance. This position supervises several Honorary Rangers, contractors, and volunteers, as well as managing external relationships with Iwi, Local and Regional Councils, the Department of Conservation, QEII National Trust, local community groups and neighbours.
The role is based in the Waikato. Due to the remoteness of some locations and the requirement for hands-on tasks, a high degree of physical fitness and experience working in remote, field-based environments is essential.
Main responsibilities include:
Planning, prioritising and promoting the operational program delivery across the Trust’s Waikato reserves.
Visiting Trust reserves on a regular basis throughout the year with the aim of monitoring progress and making regular contact with Honorary Rangers (on reserves where one is present), stakeholders, contractors and volunteers.
Preparing annual work plans and budgets for each reserve.
Overseeing the implementation, monitoring and reporting of work plans for each reserve, including co-ordinating Honorary Rangers, contractors and volunteers.
Identifying external reserve management funding and support opportunities and submitting funding applications to supplement reserve budgets.
Complying with the Trust’s Health and Safety Policy to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.
Maintaining Hazard Lists and H&S Plans for each reserve and updating as required.
Ideally the successful applicant will have:
A relevant tertiary qualification and/or extensive experience in reserve management or biodiversity conservation in New Zealand.
A passion for restoration and conservation with a good knowledge of New Zealand weed and native plant species.
Excellent project management, planning and organisational skills, and a solid commitment to the values and objectives of the Native Forest Restoration Trust.
Ability to be self-motivating and capable of working safely alone in remote locations.
Positive interpersonal skills and the ability to work with opinion leaders, officials and people in the community.
Good written and spoken communication skills and political judgement.
Skills in managing contractors and running work programmes.
Experience of delivering annual work plans on time and within budget.
Knowledge and experience of funding and project management.
A current Growsafe Standard Certificate or equivalent.
Ability to use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to develop, manage, query and display spatial data relevant to reserve management plans (not essential but highly regarded).
Current full NZ drivers licence.
NZ work permit.
The position will commence in May 2026. Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience for this role. The role may be expanded as further reserves are added to the Trust’s portfolio.
Applications must include a cover letter, CV (including the names of two referees), and evidence of the required capabilities as per the job description. Please email your final application to Rebecca Martin, Operations Team: rebecca@nfrt.org.nz
A full job description for this role can be found at: https://www.nfrt.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Waikato-NFRT-Reserve-Manager-Role-and-Responsibilities-2026-04-final.pdf
For further information about the Native Forest Restoration Trust visit: https://www.nfrt.org.nz/
Applications will close when a suitable candidate has been recruited.
We are a community based organisation of several thousand supporters and volunteers that stand together to buy land and restore native forest and wetland in New Zealand.