Ranger

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Stewart Island / Rakiura Community; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff accommodation

Shared house accommodation

Job summary

The Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai on Rakiura (Stewart Island) seeks a Ranger to work with the biodiversity team. You will carry out fieldwork across dune restoration, biosecurity, and species conservation projects, primarily in remote backcountry environments.

Expect overnight backcountry stays, up to 10 days, and living in a small island community with staff accommodation options. Applicants should have a current NZ work visa or eligibility to work in New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Current full driver's license.
• Knowledge/experience with biodiversity field work (herbicides, trapping).
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork.
• Strong problem-solving and initiative.
• High fitness with backcountry navigation experience.
• Good computer skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong health and safety focus.
• Experience or desire to live and work on a small island community.

Responsibilities

• Targeted 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 in the wider Rakiura National Park.
• Predator control in remote backcountry to support the Pukunui Recovery Project.
• Supporting hoiho monitoring through the breeding season.
• Overnight stays in the backcountry up to 10 days.

Skills

Biodiversity fieldwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Backcountry fitness

Computer skills

Health and safety focus

Island community living

Tools

GIS software

GPS Units

Herbicides

Trapping

Chainsaw

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 Mō te tūranga

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.

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 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.

Skills and experience

• 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 accreditation
• Chainsaw competency certificates
• a 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.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

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

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

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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC