Ranger Biodiversity

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in Tūrangi invites applications for a Biodiversity Ranger. You will contribute to protecting threatened species, restoring habitats, and delivering biodiversity work across the Central Plateau through fieldwork and planning, reporting and administration.

This role suits a team player who is adaptable, resilient and passionate about NZ's unique flora and fauna, with experience in pest control, monitoring, restoration or species management and a willingness to stay

Responsibilities

• 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

Job description

Make a real difference for biodiversity across the iconic Tūrangi and Taupō landscapeContribute directly to protecting threatened species and restoring natural habitatsSalary range: $65,590 to $76,889 depending on skills and experiencePermanent, 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Click here for the Role Description

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.

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

• 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 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 Licence
• GIS, 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. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Accessibility

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

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.

Applications close

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

Further enquiries

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Ian McNickle, Principal Ranger Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitor, [e-mail].