Ranger

New Zealand Government; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Dunedin is seeking a Ranger to support biodiversity conservation across Coastal Otago, focusing on predator control for the Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Programme. This field-based role involves monitoring, data collection, and pest management in remote terrain.

The role requires practical field experience, a full driver's licence, and the ability to work independently or within a team. Overnight stays may be required in rugged locations.

Qualifications

• Experience in practical fieldwork and biodiversity conservation.
• Experience with predator control operations and pest management activities.
• Ability to work safely in remote outdoor environments and maintain equipment.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining predator control networks and devices.
• Delivering pest animal and weed control operations.
• Maintaining equipment, tracks and fencing infrastructure.
• Assisting with biodiversity monitoring and data collection.
• Supporting threatened species recovery programmes.
• Carrying out field-based conservation work in remote locations.
• Contributing to wider biodiversity and pest work in Coastal Otago.

Skills

Driver's licence

Field-based conservation

Predator control

Weed/Pest management

Health & safety

Record keeping

Communication skills

Independent and team work

Education

Growsafe Certificate

First Aid Certificate

Approved Handler Certificate

Tools

GPS

Field data collection systems

Job description

Help protect some of Aotearoa's rarest and most endangered lizard speciesDeliver predator control and biodiversity work across Coastal OtagoSalary range: $61,189 - $67,446Permanent, full-time role based in Dunedin

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga

About the role

We are looking for a practical and motivated Ranger to support biodiversity conservation across the Coastal Otago District, with a strong focus on delivering work for the Grand and Otago Skink Recovery Programme. This is a field-based role focused on maintaining predator control operations, supporting biodiversity monitoring programmes, and delivering a range of threats and pest management activities. Working alongside experienced biodiversity staff, you will help protect some of New Zealand's most threatened species while contributing to broader conservation outcomes across the district.

Your day-to-day work

It will be diverse and may include:

• maintaining predator control networks and devices
• delivering pest animal and weed control operations
• maintaining equipment, tracks, and operational infrastructure like fences
• assisting with biodiversity monitoring and data collection
• supporting threatened species recovery programmes
• carrying out field-based conservation work in remote locations
• contributing to wider district work programmes in biodiversity threats, recreation and historic

You may be required to stay away overnight for multiple days while working in remote and rugged terrain.

Click here for the Role Description

Skills and experience

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical fieldwork and is passionate about biodiversity conservation. If you have some of the following skills and experience, we would like to hear from you:

• current Full Driver's Licence
• experience undertaking field-based conservation work
• practical experience with predator control operations
• experience with weed or pest management activities
• ability to work safely in remote outdoor environments
• good physical fitness and backcountry experience
• strong health and safety focus
• attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• good communication skills and ability to work independently and within a team

Desirable qualifications or experience

• operating chainsaws, scrub bars, LUVs or 4WD vehicles
• Growsafe Certificate
• current First Aid Certificate
• experience using GPS and field data collection systems
• experience with threatened species monitoring
• Approved Handler Certificate or Controlled Substances Licence

About the team

The Coastal Otago Operations team, based in Dunedin and part of the Southern South Island Region, delivers conservation work across biodiversity, community, heritage, and visitor programmes. The team includes a range of specialists and field staff working together to protect threatened species, manage biodiversity values, and maintain conservation outcomes across the district. As part of the Biodiversity team, you will contribute directly to the recovery of threatened species, including the nationally significant Grand and Otago skink populations, while supporting wider threats and pests work across Coastal Otago.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What's in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Salary: $61,189 - $67,446 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 13th September 2026.

For further enquiries, please contact Marie Manley, Recruitment Advisor at' [e-mail]