Ranger

Department of Conservation; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation on Rakiura (Stewart Island) invites a Ranger to join the biodiversity team. The role focuses on dune restoration, biosecurity work on Ulva Island, and species conservation, with fieldwork across multiple programmes.

You will work in remote backcountry, including up to 10-day trips, staying overnight in rugged terrain, and collaborate with a small island community. A current full driver's license and practical biodiversity field experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with biodiversity fieldwork (e.g. herbicides, trapping).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication skills and team collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving ability and initiative.
• High fitness for backcountry navigation and remote work.
• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong health and safety focus.
• Experience or desire to live and work in a small island community.

Responsibilities

• Pest plant control for dune restoration programmes.
• Trap and trail camera biosecurity work on Ulva Island.
• Track and hut maintenance in biodiversity areas.
• Pest plant control across Rakiura National Park.
• Predator control to support the Pukunui Recovery Project.
• Support hoiho monitoring during the breeding season.
• Overnight backcountry work, up to 10 days, in remote terrain.

Skills

Driver's license

Biodiversity field work

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Backcountry fitness

Computer skills

Health and safety

Island living experience

Tools

GIS software

GPS units

Job description

Protect Rakiura's unique biodiversity through hands-on conservation fieldwork. Contribute to dune restoration and island biosecurity in iconic locations.

The salary range for this position is $62,192 - $67,446.

Permanent full-time role based in Rakiura/Stewart Island.

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

About the role

This is a Ranger role on the biodiversity team for DOC on Rakiura. As a Ranger you will carry out a range of tasks on a variety of conservation projects. Most of your work will take place in the field across several biodiversity programmes, including dune restoration at significant locations like Mason Bay, biosecurity work on pest-free Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, and supporting species conservation for hoiho/yellow-eyed penguin and pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel.

• Targeted pest plant control for dune restoration programmes
• Trap and trail camera biosecurity work on Ulva Island
• Track and hut maintenance in the areas of biodiversity work
• Pest plant control in the wider Rakiura National Park
• Predator control in the remote backcountry to support the Pukunui Recovery Project
• Supporting hoiho monitoring through the breeding season

This role involves overnight stays in the backcountry, both alone and as part of a team, sometimes for up to 10 days at a time in remote and rugged terrain.

Click here for the Role Description

Skills and experience

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

• Current full driver's license
• Knowledge/experience with biodiversity field work (e.g. using herbicides, trapping)
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well within a small team
• Strong problem-solving skills and use of initiative
• A high level of fitness with backcountry navigation experience
• Good computer skills, with ability to pick up new systems quickly
• A strong health and safety focus
• Experience or desire to live and work in a small island community

Desirable skills

• Growsafe accreditation
• Chainsaw competency certificates
• Current first aid certificate
• Boating experience
• Experience driving trailers
• Experience with GIS software and GPS Units

About the team

As part of the Rakiura Operations team, you will join a tight knit crew who genuinely enjoy working with each other and are passionate about the work they do.

For further information about living on the island please check the attached information sheet or visit http://www.stewartisland.co.nz.

Private accommodation on the island is limited; if required we have staff accommodation available in a shared house.

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.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 22 November 2026.

Further enquiries

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