Ranger Biodiversity (Freshwater) (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, based in Renwick, is seeking a Ranger Biodiversity to deliver freshwater conservation across the Sounds, South Marlborough, and Nelson Lakes districts. You will conduct freshwater fish surveys, biodiversity monitoring, and support habitat restoration while promoting biosecurity and community engagement.

This fixed-term role runs Oct 2026 to Apr 2027 based in Renwick.

Qualifications

• Interest in freshwater conservation, biosecurity, and protecting native freshwater species.
• Experience in freshwater monitoring, biodiversity, or conservation work is desirable.
• Strong working relationships with colleagues, communities and stakeholders.
• Organised and able to plan, prioritise, and deliver work effectively.
• Can work independently while contributing positively to a team.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Can adapt to changing priorities and field conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Confident using technology, including Microsoft Office and reporting systems.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Conducting freshwater fish surveys and biodiversity monitoring.
• Supporting habitat restoration and freshwater conservation initiatives.
• Assisting with freshwater pest surveillance and biosecurity work.
• Promoting the Clean, Check, Dry message to help prevent the spread of aquatic pests.
• Engaging with communities, volunteers, and partner groups
• Contributing to the protection and health of rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands across the region.

Skills

Freshwater conservation

Biodiversity monitoring

Community engagement

Independent working

Organisation & prioritisation

Judgement & problem-solving

Adaptability

Verbal & written communication

First Aid

Driver licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reporting systems

Job description

Help protect New Zealand's unique freshwater ecosystem Work across rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands throughout the region Contribute to native fish conservation and biosecurity initiatives Salary: $65,590 - $76,589 1x fixed-term full-time opportunity October 2026 to April 2027 based in Renwick

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

About the role

As a Ranger Biodiversity based in Renwick, you'll help deliver freshwater conservation projects across the Sounds, South Marlborough, and Nelson Lakes districts. Working as part of the South Marlborough District team, you'll contribute to protecting and enhancing the region's rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands through a variety of field-based conservation activities. This diverse role includes freshwater fish monitoring, biosecurity work, habitat restoration, biodiversity surveys, and community engagement. You'll also play a key role in promoting the Clean, Check, Dry message to help prevent the spread of freshwater pests and protect New Zealand's unique freshwater ecosystems

Your work will include:

• Conducting freshwater fish surveys and biodiversity monitoring.
• Supporting habitat restoration and freshwater conservation initiatives.
• Assisting with freshwater pest surveillance and biosecurity work.
• Promoting the Clean, Check, Dry message to help prevent the spread of aquatic pests.
• Engaging with communities, volunteers, and partner groups
• Contributing to the protection and health of rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands across the region.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of the following, we'd love to hear from you:

• Interest in freshwater conservation, biosecurity, and protecting native freshwater species.
• Experience in freshwater monitoring, biodiversity, or conservation work is desirable.
• Positive working relationships with colleagues, communities, and stakeholders.
• Organised and able to plan, prioritise, and deliver work effectively.
• Can work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Can adapt to changing priorities and field conditions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Confident using technology, including Microsoft Office and reporting systems.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

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

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.

For further enquiries

Contact Seasonal Jobs [e-mail]

Our vision: 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 Aotearoa. 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