Kaitiaki Ranger x3 (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Te Kūiti; On-site; NZD 58,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in New Zealand seeks Kaitiaki Rangers for a vital role in preserving Aotearoa's landscapes. You'll engage in project work focused on biodiversity and natural heritage protection, working in a supportive team environment with opportunities for training and personal development.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working environment

Shared accommodation available

Qualifications

• Strong health and safety focus.
• Hands-on practical skillset.
• Interest in conservation.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining huts and structures in natural parks.
• Track clearing and biodiversity initiatives.
• Collaborating with iwi and local communities.

Skills

Bush skills

Physical fitness

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Full NZ driver’s licence

Job description

• Make a lasting impact! Play a vital role in preserving Aotearoa's natural landscapes and protect our flora & fauna
• The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 depending on skills and experience
• 3x full time, 12-month fixed term opportunities available | based in Te Kūiti or Pureora
  
  

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

As a Kaitiaki Ranger, you'll play a key role in projects dedicated to the care and maintenance of species, eco-system protection, as well as front and backcountry busy tourist sites in Maniapoto. We have a flexible working environment and currently do our 40-hour week Monday to Thursday.

The position will be focussed on:

• Gaining training and skills to become a Conservation champion!
• Track clearing and maintenance in the front and backcountry
• Maintaining huts, bridges, and other structures
• Biodiversity initiatives: trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control
• Working collaboratively with iwi, hapū and whānau
  
  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• Bush skills
• High level of physical fitness and drive
• Good work ethic and reliable
• Good communication skills
• Off track navigation and GPS skills
• Interest in conservation and preservation of natural taonga
• Mechanically minded
• Ability to work within a team
• Strong health and safety focus
• Ability to work in isolated environments
• Hands-on practical skillset
• Be keen to camp out overnight and up to a week away in DOC huts
• A full NZ drivers licence or the ability to get one.
• Understanding of tikanga Māori & Mātauranga Māori
  
  

We are passionate about developing our people and will provide conservation education and qualifications.

Mō te tīma | About the team

When you join us, you are stepping into a supportive and collaborative team who value their staff and foster personal development and growth. The operational team is led by the Operations Manager and consists of the Heritage and Visitor, Biodiversity, and Community teams. Our work culture is positive, promoting cross-team cooperation for essential tasks. Get ready for a rewarding journey within a welcoming environment. There is an opportunity to be based in Te Kuiti or Pureora and shared accommodation is available at both office sites.

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.

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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 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 Sunday 13 July 2025. Depending on the volume of applications we received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your applications as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact Kina Tweeddale, Supervisor [e-mail]

Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1871161