Ranger

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a permanent full-time Ranger based at Waharau, part of the Hunua East team. The role supports operations across the southern region, with weekend and public holiday roster requirements and a focus on conservation and recreation in regional parks.

Applicants should bring a passion for nature, strong communication, and a proactive, can-do attitude. The role offers on-site accommodation options where available and a chance to protect regional taonga for future

Qualifications

• Qualification in conservation, recreation, land management or related area preferred.
• At least 2–3 years in conservation, ecology and/or biosecurity management with recreation/asset experience.
• Current full NZ driver’s licence; confident driving a manual vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Enable safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation in regional park settings and contribute to conservation outcomes.
• Manage day-to-day park operations, support volunteers and external stakeholders, and oversee contractor performance.
• Liaise with visitors at campgrounds and arrival areas; assist with park maintenance and asset upkeep.
• Deliver historic site protection programmes and collaborate on kauri-related projects.

Skills

Strong communicator

Manual driving

Physical fitness

NZ driving licence

Education

Conservation/Recreation/Land management qualification

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

• Based at Auckland’s Southern Regional Parks – Waharau
• A clean NZ driving licence essential
• Variable roster so must be available on weekends and public holidays

We have permanent full-time Ranger opportunity who will primarily be based atWaharau, as part of with the Hunua East team which also includes Tapapakanga, Tawhitokino, Whakatiwai and Orere Point. They will also support operations across the southern region.

As a Ranger, you will be responsible for enabling safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation experiences in regional park setting and contribute to conservation outcomes.This role requires working on a 40 hour a week roster system, being available for weekends and public holidays.

You can see a copy of the position description here.

Renumeration for the role is between $65,000 - $77,000 depending on experience and skillset. Subsidised private rental accommodation on site may be available as part of this role.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in protecting theseregional taongafor future generations, while contributing to the ongoing development of these spaces to reflect therecreational, conservational, and intrinsic valuesof the people ofTāmaki Makaurau.

Our regional parks are deeply loved and treasured by Aucklanders and visitors alike, welcoming up to6 million visits each year. These parks showcase theiconic landscapesof the region and are home to manyrare and threatened ecosystems and native species. For many, they are places of inspiration and identity—spaces to findtranquillity and connection with nature, or to enjoyactive recreationin the bush or on the beach.

This role involves a diverse mix of hands‑on and people‑focused responsibilities. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations on park, manage and support volunteers and external stakeholders, and work to achieve conservation and recreation outcomes, including overseeing and auditing contractor performance.

The role also involves liaising with visitors across campgrounds and visitor arrival areas, carrying out general park maintenance, and delivering historic site protection programmes to ensure park environments are safe, clean, and welcoming. In addition, you will undertake and support other rangers with the maintenance of assets, including walking and mountain bike tracks. Waharau is a highly important site for kauri, and this will form the basis of many projects and collaborations.

To be successful in this role, you’ll have a passion for the natural environment and for connecting people with nature. You’ll be a strong communicator who thrives on planning and prioritising your own workday, while still being an integral part of a tight‑knit team. A ‘can-do’ attitude, along with being proactive, approachable, and motivated, will set you apart. A high level of physical fitness and practical aptitude is essential.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• A qualification in conservation, recreation, land management, or a related area would be highly desirable, as would other relevant licences that support public safety and environmental protection.
• At least 2–3 years in conservation, ecology, and/or biosecurity management is required, with experience in recreation and/or asset management
• Is passionate about working with volunteers, iwi, community groups, and park visitors
• Demonstrated practical experience with the ability to carry out minor repairs.
• Holds a current full New Zealand driver’s licence and is confident driving a manual vehicle.

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well‑being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Applications close: Thursday 1st October at midnight

This role is deemed safety sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children. This role is classified as a Children's Worker role under the Vulnerable Children Act 2014. As such applicants will be required to undergo police vetting prior to commencing employment. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory police check.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at [e-mail] .

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.