Ranger Biodiversity

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

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Tūrangi, New Zealand, seeks a Biodiversity Ranger to deliver biodiversity work across the Central Plateau, combining field activities with planning, reporting and administration. The role focuses on threatened species and pest management, building strong partnerships with iwi, volunteers and communities.

You will conduct field-based conservation tasks, coordinate projects, and contribute to district operations while staying flexible to changing priorities.

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 conservation groups, iwi, hapū, volunteers to achieve biodiversity outcomes.
• Strong communication skills to build positive relationships and manage challenging situations.
• Passion for conservation and safeguarding NZ flora and fauna.
• Technology savvy; proficiency in MS Office suite, data management and reporting.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work remotely when required.
• Willingness to stay overnight and work in remote locations.
• Experience in field-based conservation work: pest control, monitoring, restoration, species management.

Responsibilities

• Deliver biodiversity work across the Central Plateau and surrounding districts.
• Support Threatened Species Management and Pest/Weed control efforts.
• Build strong relationships with contractors, volunteers, whānau, hapū, iwi and stakeholders.
• Contribute to district operations and support regional programmes and projects.

Skills

Planning & Coordination

Biodiversity protection

Community partnerships

Communication

Adaptability

Field work

Driver license

Physical fitness

Overnight stays

MS Office

Data management

Tools

MS Office

Data management & reporting

GIS / GPS

Job description

• 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

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | 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.

Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to submit an application.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

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.

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

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