Ranger - Biodiversity (Fixed Term)

CGR Services; West Coast; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

This full-time fixed-term role focuses on delivering predator control within the Hokitika District's whio security programme, alongside implementing weed control across 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

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing.
• Excellent fitness and ability to work in challenging terrain and weather.
• Proven ability to undertake lone work in remote backcountry environments.
• Experience working independently in remote locations.
• Practical experience in predator control, trapping, weed control or related fieldwork.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound data collection and entry skills.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Deliver predator control programmes, including trap servicing and trapline maintenance within whio sites.
• Implement weed control operations using a range of methods.
• Support threatened species programmes, including work with Kapitia skink.
• Undertake backcountry fieldwork, including multi-day trips and off-track travel.
• Collect, manage and analyse field data.
• Plan and organise field operations.
• Maintain equipment and ensure health, safety and operational standards.
• Support reporting, project administration, and data entry.
• Collaborate with colleagues, contractors, partners, landowners and other stakeholders.
• Assist with wider biodiversity programmes and related freshwater, marine, visitor and heritage work.

Skills

Health & safety

Fitness

Independent work

Predator control

Weed control

Data collection

GPS navigation

Communication skills

Driver license

Education

Tertiary qualification in conservation

Growsafe certificate

Tools

GPS navigation

First Aid certificate

Chainsaw qualifications

Job description

Ranger - Biodiversity (Fixed Term) New Zealand Government•Hokitika, West Coast, NZ

Highlights

• 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.
• Full-time fixed term role ending end of May 2027 based in Hokitika.

Salary

Salary : $65,590 to $76,589

Contract

Full-time fixed term role ending end of May 2027 based in Hokitika.

Our vision

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.

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Deliver predator control programmes, including trap servicing and trapline maintenance within whio security sites.
• Implement weed control operations using a range of methods and techniques.
• Support threatened species programmes, including work with species such as Kapitia skink.
• Undertake backcountry fieldwork, including multi‑day trips and off‑track travel.
• Collect, manage and analyse field data.
• Plan and organise field operations.
• Maintain equipment and ensure high standards of health, safety and operational practice.
• Support reporting, project administration, and data entry.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, partners, landowners and other stakeholders.
• Assist with wider biodiversity programmes and, where required, support freshwater, marine, visitor and heritage work.

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 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.

Eligibility

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

Closing date

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

Contact

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