Ranger Biodiversity

Department of Conservation NZ; Auckland; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation NZ in Auckland header is seeking a Biodiversity Ranger to lead wildlife incident response and protect Tāmaki Makaurau’s native species across public conservation land and coastlines.

You will collaborate with iwi, hapū and whānau, conduct public education, and support biodiversity projects while working outdoors and in varied conditions. A relevant qualification or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification related to conservation management, ecology, or natural sciences, or 2+ years' equivalent practical experience.
• Strong familiarity with native wildlife and skills in handling them.
• Proven relationship management with communities, volunteers, statutory bodies, iwi/hapū and whānau.

Responsibilities

• Lead the response to wildlife incidents across the district.
• Handle public enquiries related to native wildlife.
• Carry out public education, advocacy and light compliance work around local wildlife.
• Work with stakeholders including iwi, hapū and whānau.
• Facilitate research and record-keeping.
• Contribute to biodiversity conservation projects throughout the region.

Skills

Familiarity with native wildlife

Relationship management

Public-facing communication

Outdoor independent work

Education

Conservation-related qualification or 2+ years practical experience

Tools

Office software (Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Department of Conservation NZ – Auckland, North Island

• Are you passionate about protecting native wildlife and ecosystems?
• Lead wildlife response for the Tamaki Makaurau District
• Join a team making a real impact on biodiversity conservation.
• Salary range: $65,590 to $76,589 depending on skills and experience.
• Permanent, full-time position | based in Warkworth.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Biodiversity Ranger within the Tāmaki Makaurau Mainland team. We are looking for a dedicated and collaborative individual to join our team who feels inspired, day in day out, and connected to our united purpose: Toitū te Taiao - We Protect and Restore Nature.

As our next Biodiversity Ranger, you will have the opportunity to work throughout Auckland's varied and extensive network of public conservation land and coastlines. You'll be part of our Biodiversity team, working to protect Tāmaki Makaurau's native species.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading the response to wildlife incidents across the district
• Handling public enquiries related to native wildlife
• Carrying out public education, advocacy and light compliance work around local wildlife
• Working with stakeholders including iwi, hapū and whānau
• Facilitating research and record-keeping
• Working on other Biodiversity conservation projects throughout the region as required
  

We're looking for someone who can handle it all - from our smallest native Manu (birds) to giant tohorā (whales).

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A tertiary qualification related to conservation management, ecology, or natural sciences, or 2+ years' equivalent practical experience working in any related area.
• Familiarity with native wildlife and skills in how to handle them.
• A track record of excellent relationship management, especially with communities, volunteers, statutory bodies, iwi, hapū and whānau.
• Experience in a public-facing role or handling public enquiries, either in-person or remotely, such as in a customer-service or public advocacy capacity.
• Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with a range of audiences in-person and via phone and email.
• Ability and self-motivation to work independently in the outdoors.
• Familiarity using a range of office software including Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook etc.
• Reasonable physical fitness and mobility.
• Full clean driving licence, including the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Competent in four-wheel driving off-road.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Experience or training with handling challenging situations.
• Warranted Officer status (for internal applicants), or willingness to become Warranted and carry out compliance activity
• Familiar with local and national conservation legislation.
• Familiarity with how concepts in te ao Māori such as Kaitiakitanga and mātauranga Māori influence conservation management.
• Familiarity with how Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi is upheld through work in the public service, and a general commitment to upholding the values of Te Tiriti/ the Treaty.
• Experience in, or knowledge of, safe handling techniques for wildlife such as birds, lizards, or seals.
• Experience responding to marine mammal stranding incidents, or training in marine mammal stranding response e.g. the Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medic course.

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.
Want to know more?

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.

Salary: $65,590 to $76,589 depending on skills and experience.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 14 September 2026
This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact David Wilson, Principal Ranger Mainland at *******@doc.govt.nz