Ranger Biodiversity Monitoring (Multiple Permanent Opportunities)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Rotorua; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation is seeking passionate Rangers to join their Monitoring Operations Team. This role involves collecting biodiversity data, supporting data analysis, and contributing to conservation efforts across New Zealand. Successful candidates will work in various locations, ensuring the protection and restoration of nature in Aotearoa.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in biodiversity monitoring.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for data capture.
• Ability to interpret GIS information.

Responsibilities

• Collect monitoring data from diverse sites.
• Provide office-based support for data analysis.
• Support operational delivery of biodiversity monitoring.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Biodiversity Monitoring

GIS Interpretation

Data Analysis

Physical Fitness

Education

Tertiary qualification in science or natural heritage management

Tools

Microsoft Office

ArcGIS

Job description

• Work in a specialised monitoring programme spanning a diverse range of projects
• Multiple permanent full-time positions based across Rotorua, Palmerston North, Hokitika, Invercargill
• Join the team working on biodiversity monitoring mahi throughout New Zealand
  
  

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.

He angitūtanga | About the role

The Monitoring Operations Team is currently seeking conservation enthusiasts to join their team and perform biodiversity monitoring mahi throughout New Zealand. We have multiple roles available across a range of locations; Rotorua, Palmerston North, Hokitika and Invercargill. Successful candidates can indicate their location preference.

As a Ranger in the Monitoring Operations Team, your responsibilities will include:

• Collecting monitoring data from a diverse range of sites and projects.
• Providing office-based support for data analysis and reporting.
• Utilising your expertise to support the operational delivery of the national biodiversity monitoring programme.
  
  

The salary range for the Ranger (Band C) position is $60,314 to $75,603. The salary range for the Ranger (Band D) position is $68,535 to $86,423 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You bring strong communication and teamwork skills to achieve positive outcomes for te taiao/the natural world. Your passion for conservation mahi and commitment to a safe, inclusive, and diverse culture will be valued at Te Papa Atawhai.

We are keen to hear from you if you have the following:

• A range of biodiversity monitoring experience.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications for data capture and report writing.
• Ability to interpret GIS information and produce maps (training in ArcGIS lit, advantageous)
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience or interest in working with whānau, hapū and iwi, with an understanding of Te Ao Māori.
• Proven ability operating in the backcountry, communicating effectively and getting on well with others in a small team.
• Physically fit and able to carry a full pack for three hours off track.
• Able to regularly spend long periods of time (up to two weeks) away from home.
• A tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience and achievements in science or natural heritage management.
• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• A current First Aid Certificate (highly desirable).
  
  

Desirable skills and experience for the Ranger (Band C) position:

• Experience and an interest in one or more biodiversity areas.
• Skills or experience managing threatened plant and animal populations, and planning and execution of pest control operations.
• Experience in other forms of monitoring
• Experienced in data collection.
  
  

Desirable specialist skills and experience for Ranger (Band D) position:

• Experience in 20 x 20 permanent plot methods.
• Experience supervising and leading a team in the field.
• Experience planning and leading field-based projects
• Plant identification, bird identification (preferably five-minute bird counts) and/or animal pest monitoring (preferably ungulate pellet counts and possum monitoring)
  
  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Monitoring Operations Team is a nationally distributed group with five permanent bases across Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each base is responsible for conducting fieldwork within its designated region, primarily in support of nationally focused monitoring programmes. Fieldwork is typically carried out in small teams of two to eight members.

The main field season runs from September through March, during which staff generally work 12 to 14-days on followed by a 5 to 6-day break. During these extended field deployments, staff are often away from their home base for the duration, returning only when weather conditions make fieldwork unsafe.

Outside of the peak season, field opportunities continue, though most staff revert to a standard Monday-to-Friday office schedule. This time is used to prepare for the upcoming field season and support ongoing operations.

The Monitoring Operations Team fosters a close-knit, supportive culture built around a shared passion for the outdoors and the meaningful work they undertake.

Check out some of the awesome and exciting mahi the field operations teams at Te Papa Atawhai contribute to:

https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2018/04/20/biodiversity-on-your-doorstep/

https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2017/12/24/hunting-for-native-mistletoe-this-christmas/

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter noting your preferred location, position, and highlight your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining us. You will also be required to complete a questionnaire as part of the application process.

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.

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

Rā katinga | Applications close on Friday, 30 May 2025 at 11:59pm.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Rebecca Fonoti on [e-mail].

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1855499