Ranger Biodiversity

New Zealand Government; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Biodiversity Ranger to work across the Central Plateau, combining fieldwork with planning, reporting, and administrative tasks. The role focuses on delivering biodiversity programs, protecting threatened species, and addressing pest management.

Based in Tūrangi, the role requires travel to remote locations, strong collaboration with iwi and community groups, and a commitment to conservation across the central North Island.

Qualifications

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver biodiversity and conservation work for yourself and others.
• Knowledge of protecting native species, habitats, and ecosystems in the central North Island.
• Experience partnering with community groups, iwi, hapū, whānau and volunteers for biodiversity outcomes.
• Strong communication to build relationships and manage challenging situations.
• Willingness to stay overnight and work in remote locations.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence; physically fit.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a wide range of biodiversity work across the Central Plateau.
• Contribute to Threatened Species management and pest control.
• Build and maintain relationships with contractors, volunteers, whānau, hapū, iwi and stakeholders.
• Participate in district operations and support regional work programmes and projects.

Skills

Biodiversity planning

Community partnership

Strong communication

Adaptable and resilient

Team player

Physically fit

Tools

MS Office

Data management

Reporting

Job description

Position Overview

• Make a real difference for biodiversity across the iconic Tūrangi and Taupō landscape
• Contribute directly to protecting threatened species and restoring natural habitats
• Salary range : $65,590 to $76,889 depending on skills and experience
• Permanent, full-time position based in Tūrangi

Our vision

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

About the role

As a Biodiversity Ranger, you will contribute to a range of biodiversity work across the Central Plateau through a mix of fieldwork and office-based activities. This varied role combines hands‑on conservation with planning, reporting, and administrative responsibilities, making it ideal for someone who enjoys diversity in their day‑to‑day work.

The position will be focussed on :

• Delivering a wide range of biodiversity work across the Central Plateau
• Threatened Species Management - Protecting and nurturing our unique flora and fauna
• Threat Management - Tackling animal pests, controlling weeds
• Building strong working relationships with contractors, volunteers, whānau, hapū, iwi, community groups, and other stakeholders
• Participating in wider district operations and supporting regional work programmes and projects as required

Skills and experience

We are looking for a dedicated team player who is adaptable, resilient, and passionate about protecting and enhancing the unique biodiversity across the central plateau.

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver biodiversity and conservation work for yourself and others
• Knowledge of, or strong interest in, protecting native species, habitats, and ecosystems in the central North Island
• Experience working in partnership with community conservation groups, volunteers, iwi, whānau, and hapū to achieve shared biodiversity outcomes
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships and effectively manage challenging situations
• Passion for conservation and a commitment to safeguarding New Zealand's unique flora and fauna
• Technology savvy; proficiency in MS Office suite, data management and reporting
• Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities
• Willingness to stay overnight, work in remote locations
• Experience in field-based conservation work, including pest control, monitoring, ecological restoration, or species management
• Flexible, patient, and able to work effectively as part of a team
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• Physically Fit

Desirable experience

• Experience identifying and handling native flora and fauna
• Knowledge of biodiversity monitoring, ecological surveying, and data collection methodologies
• 4WD and LUV driving experience
• Growsafe Certificate
• Controlled Substances LicenceGIS, GPS, and navigation experience
• Knowledge of pest plant and pest animal management techniques

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.

Salary

Salary : $65,590-$76,589 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility

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

Application deadline

Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Wednesday 4 November 2026

Contact

For further enquiries, please contact Ian McNickle, Principal Ranger Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitor, [e-mail] .