Community Lead

About us

Zero Invasive Predators Limited (ZIP) is a conservation-focused organisation dedicated to protecting New Zealand's unique ecosystems and native wildlife. We work across diverse landscapes and communities to implement innovative predator control solutions and environmental restoration programmes. Our mission is to create thriving natural environments where native species can flourish, and we are committed to engaging with local communities, iwi, and stakeholders as essential partners in this work. ZIP values collaboration, environmental stewardship, and the meaningful involvement of people in conservation outcomes.

The opportunity

We are seeking a Community Lead to join our Predator Free South Westland (PFSW) project based in Franz Josef Glacier. This is a full-time position that will be pivotal in building and maintaining strong relationships with local communities, iwi, landowners, and stakeholders in the region. As Community Lead, you will be responsible for developing and delivering community engagement strategies that support ZIP's conservation objectives. This role is essential to ensuring that our predator control and ecosystem restoration work is grounded in community values, local knowledge, and collaborative partnerships. You will work across both operational and strategic initiatives, serving as a key bridge between ZIP's conservation work and the communities we serve.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the community team (2-3 staff)
• Build and nurture relationships with local communities, iwi, landowners, farmers, tourism operators and other key stakeholders
• Coordinate community consultation processes and ensure meaningful participation in conservation planning and implementation
• Ensure confidential information is managed appropriately
• Gather feedback and insights from communities to inform programme development and continuously improve engagement approaches
• Work collaboratively with ZIP teams to integrate community perspectives into operational planning and decision-making
• Bring the social perspective to operational planning
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with landowners to secure necessary property access and permissions for achieving PFSW objectives
• Ensure the team gather high-quality data and make it easy for others to access and use this information for planning

What we're looking for

• Demonstrated experience in community development, community engagement or stakeholder relations, ideally within conservation, environmental or community-focused organisations
• Landowner Engagement: Exhibits openness to understanding and addressing landowner concerns to facilitate the successful delivery of PFSW work
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences and build trust across different community groups
• Experience working with iwi, Māori communities or in te ao Māori contexts, with understanding of partnership principles and cultural responsiveness
• Proven ability to design and deliver community programmes, events and engagement initiatives that achieve measurable outcomes
• Project management skills with the capacity to manage multiple engagement activities and initiatives simultaneously
• Knowledge of conservation, environmental management or ecological restoration
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences
• Ability to work independently whilst collaborating effectively with team members and external partners
• Problem-solving mindset and adaptability to respond to changing community needs and circumstances
• Desirable: Experience in the West Coast region, knowledge of local conservation issues, or familiarity with tourism and rural communities
• Team Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrates strong team leadership by fostering collaboration, supporting and developing team members, encouraging open communication, and leading by example

What we offer

We offer a competitive salary package and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to conservation outcomes in one of New Zealand's most iconic regions. You will work with a dedicated, passionate team committed to environmental protection and community collaboration. We provide a supportive work environment that values professional development and encourages team members to build their expertise in conservation and community engagement.

We recognise the importance of work-life balance and flexibility where possible. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We welcome discussions about any adjustments or support you may require to succeed in this role. As an equal opportunities employer, we actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

Apply now

If you are passionate about community engagement and conservation, and you have the skills and experience outlined above, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in this role, and the names of two referees to the ZIP recruitment team. For further information about this opportunity, please contact us directly.