Join the team at Te Ara Hīkoi and make a real difference to our environment.
Te Ara Hīkoi is on a mission to boost biodiversity across Franklin and North Waikato. We support 15 local community groups, empowering them to protect and restore their own backyards. Over the past five years, the Predator Free Franklin programme has grown into a very successful community predator-control initiative. Now we’re expanding into pest plant control and ecological restoration. Te Ara Hīkoi employs and trains local rangitahi, in restoration and conservation, and also actively trials improved trapping techniques using smart technology.
Te Ara Hīkoi is making a difference, and with new funding from Auckland Council and Franklin Local Board we’re growing our team and adding three new paid roles. Local applicants are strongly encouraged.
The roles are:
- Full-time Project Manager
We are seeking a skilled Project Manager to lead restoration work across Franklin & North Waikato. This senior role suits someone with experience in landscape-scale ecological restoration, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to work in partnership with local communities. You’ll oversee a growing team, manage programmes including predator control, pest plant control and habitat restoration, and support the current team of rangatahi undertaking conservation training. The role also includes budgeting, funding management, and reporting. This is a chance to take on a rewarding leadership role, with a competitive salary and the opportunity to deliver measurable biodiversity gains in our region.
- Central Community Coordinator.
We are looking for a motivated and well-organised Community Coordinator to support groups across Franklin & North Waikato. In this role, you will strengthen the work of existing community coordinators, step in to provide direct coordination for groups that need it, and help bring people together through local events, workshops and conservation activities. You’ll also manage our storytelling and communications, from social media updates to newsletters and community reports, to celebrate local successes and inspire wider involvement. This role suits someone with strong communication and engagement skills, a good understanding of community dynamics, and a passion for conservation. Flexible hours make it ideal for someone wanting to balance part-time work with other commitments while contributing meaningfully to biodiversity outcomes.
- Coastal Community Coordinator
We are seeking a dedicated Community Coordinator to work with four active groups along the southern Hauraki Gulf coastline, from Whitford to Orere Point. Your role will be to organise local events and activities, share stories from the coast, and ensure volunteers feel connected, supported, and resourced in their predator control and restoration work. You will play a key part in maintaining and expanding volunteer trap lines along the coast, as well as collaborating with the Te Ara Hīkoi team who are actively trapping in the area. This role will suit someone who enjoys working outdoors as well as alongside community members, who is confident in coordinating volunteers, and who is passionate about protecting coastal biodiversity. Flexible hours allow you to balance this meaningful role with other commitments.
To apply or learn more about these exciting roles, email contact@tearahikoi.nz Applications close September 12th. Join us and help make Franklin predator free and thriving with biodiversity.