Ranger – Biodiversity (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Hokitika; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Backcountry living

Career development

Supportive team

Flexible fieldwork

Job summary

The Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai in Hokitika is seeking a full-time fixed-term Ranger to lead predator control and weed management in remote backcountry environments. You will work on whio sites, conduct fieldwork, collect data, and support biodiversity programmes across the district.

This role requires strong health and safety focus, ability to work independently or with a team, and a valid NZ driver licence.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work in remote backcountry environments.
• Strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full NZ driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Deliver predator control programmes, trap servicing and trapline maintenance within whio sites.
• Implement weed control across biodiversity sites using various methods.
• Undertake backcountry fieldwork including multi-day trips and data collection.
• Plan and organise field operations, maintain equipment and ensure safety standards.

Skills

Predator control

Trap servicing

Weed control

Field data collection

Education

Tertiary qualification in conservation

Tools

GPS navigation

Data collection tools

Job description

Live and work in some of New Zealand's most spectacular backcountry while helping protect whio and other native species. Join a passionate and supportive team delivering meaningful conservation outcomes across some of Aotearoa's most iconic natural environments.

Salary: $65,590 to $76,589- with opportunities to develop and progress your career. Full-time fixed term role ending end of May 2027 based in Hokitika.

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

About the role

This full-time fixed-term position focuses on delivering predator control within the Hokitika District's whio security programme, alongside implementing weed control operations across a range of biodiversity sites. This is a hands‑on, field-based role that will see you working in remote and challenging environments as part of a passionate and supportive team. While trapping and weed management form the core of the position, there will be opportunities to contribute to a broad range of conservation initiatives across the district.

Your day-to-day work will include:

• Delivering predator control programmes, including trap servicing and trapline maintenance within whio security sites
• Implementing weed control operations using a range of methods and techniques supporting threatened species programmes, including work with species such as Kapitia skink
• Undertaking backcountry fieldwork, including multi‑day trips and off‑track travel collecting, managing and analysing field data
• Planning and organising field operations, maintaining equipment and ensuring high standards of health, safety and operational practice
• Supporting reporting, project administration, and data entry
• Working collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, partners, landowners and other stakeholders
• Assisting with wider biodiversity programmes and, where required, supporting freshwater, marine, visitor and heritage work

The role combines independent fieldwork with team‑based operations and office‑based planning and reporting.

Skills and experience

This role will suit someone who enjoys working in the outdoors, thrives in remote backcountry environments, and is motivated by achieving practical conservation outcomes. We’re looking for a reliable, adaptable team player who is willing to roll up their sleeves, learn new skills and contribute across a diverse range of work programmes.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing
• Excellent fitness and the ability to work in challenging terrain and variable weather conditions
• Proven ability to undertake lone work in remote backcountry environments, including off-track travel, river crossings, route finding and multi‑day fieldwork experience working independently in remote locations
• Practical experience in predator control, trapping, weed control or other conservation fieldwork
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Sound computer skills and experience with data collection and data entry
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• A positive attitude, adaptability and willingness to contribute to a wide range of conservation activities
• A full New Zealand driver licence

Desirable:

• Experience servicing and maintaining trap networks
• Weed identification skills and experience using herbicides for pest plant control
• A current Growsafe certificate
• Competence with GPS navigation and off-track route finding
• A current First Aid certificate
• Experience working around helicopters and operating 4WD vehicles
• A tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience, in conservation, ecology, environmental management, biology or a related field
• Chainsaw qualifications/experience

About the team and location

The Hokitika Biodiversity team consists of approximately nine permanent staff delivering predator control, pest plant management, threatened species recovery, freshwater and marine conservation, and ecological monitoring programmes. The wider Hokitika Operations team includes just over 20 permanent and fixed term staff working across biodiversity, visitor, heritage and community programmes.

This role operates across the Hokitika District, working in environments ranging from lowland podocarp forest and braided rivers to coastal habitats, wetlands and alpine backcountry.

Based in Hokitika, you'll be surrounded by some of New Zealand's finest outdoor recreation opportunities. With an extensive network of tracks, huts, rivers and alpine environments on your doorstep, the West Coast is a paradise for trampers, hunters, anglers, mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Hokitika offers the best of both worlds: a welcoming community, short commutes and excellent local amenities, combined with easy access to wild places and a lifestyle where adventure begins at your doorstep.

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.

Benefits:

• Living and working in some of New Zealand's most spectacular backcountry
• A supportive and passionate team delivering meaningful conservation outcomes
• Opportunities to develop and progress your career
• Exposure to predator and weed control in remote environments
• Experience with diverse conservation initiatives across the district
• Chance to work on research and data collection for threatened species programmes
• High standards of health, safety and operational practice
• Supportive organisational culture prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion

Eligibility

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

Other details

We are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 08 September 2026.

For further enquiries, contact David Soper, Principal Ranger Biodiversity - [e-mail].

About DOC

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 te taiao. 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.