Ranger

New Zealand Government; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff accommodation

Backcountry work

Job summary

New Zealand Government, through Te Papa Atawhai, seeks a Ranger on Rakiura to perform field conservation across dune restoration, pest control, and species monitoring on Stewart Island. The role involves long field trips and staying in backcountry camps.

You will work with a tight-knit team, support biodiversity programmes, and contribute to protecting hoiho and other species while living in a remote island community with limited accommodation.

Qualifications

• Experience with biodiversity field work in remote environments.
• Current full driver’s license.
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
• Good communication and ability to work in a small island team.
• Fitness for backcountry travel and overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pest plant control and dune restoration work.
• Support biosecurity on Ulva Island.
• Monitor hoiho and pukunui during breeding season.
• Maintain tracks and huts in biodiversity sites.
• Assist in predator control in backcountry.
• Coordinate with team for field rotations.

Skills

Biodiversity field work

Driving license

Backcountry navigation

GIS/GPS knowledge

Teamwork

Tools

Growsafe accreditation

Chainsaw competency

First aid certificate

Boating experience

Trailer handling

GIS software

GPS units

Job description

Protect Rakiura's unique biodiversity through hands-on conservation fieldworkContribute to dune restoration and island biosecurity in iconic locationsThe salary range for this position is $62,192 - $67,446Permanent full-time role based in Rakiura/Stewart IslandOur vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaMo te turanga | About the roleThis 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.'The position will be focussed on:'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 workpest plant control in the wider Rakiura National Parkpredator 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 DescriptionNga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience'If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:'a 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:'Growsafe accreditationChainsaw competency certificates'a current first aid certificate'boating experienceexperience driving trailers'experience with GIS software and GPS Units.''Mo te tima | 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.'He aha nga painga mou? | 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 inaianei | Apply nowApply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa AtawhaiIf you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.The salary range for this position is $62,192 - $67,446 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 employmentRa whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 22 November 2026.Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Marie Manley, Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail].