Ranger (Campground) (Fixed-Term)

New Zealand Government; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Masterton is seeking a Ranger to maintain campground facilities and support visitor safety, while engaging with campers and day visitors. The role covers asset upkeep, track maintenance, and environmental conservation in the Wairarapa region.

The successful applicant will work weekends and public holidays, with a focus on safety, quality visitor experiences, and practical field-based tasks in outdoor settings.

Qualifications

• Practical, self-motivated, and passionate about providing great visitor experiences outdoors.
• Experience in a similar role, including cleaning and maintaining campground, visitor, or recreational facilities.
• Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to engage positively with a wide range of visitors.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and solve problems effectively.
• Practical maintenance or groundskeeping experience is an advantage.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and undertake lone work efficiently.
• A positive attitude and willingness to help others.
• Good level of physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Experience monitoring water supplies and septic systems (desirable).
• Current First Aid Certificate and NZ Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning and maintaining campground facilities, including amenity blocks and visitor areas.
• Engaging with the public and ensuring compliance of fee payment
• Maintaining water supply infrastructure and supporting asset upkeep
• Undertaking track and grounds maintenance
• Operating tools and machinery such as scrub cutters and herbicide equipment
• Assisting with visitor safety and responding to emergencies as required
• Supporting conservation outcomes through practical field-based work

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Teamwork

Health and safety

First Aid

Physical fitness

Driver Licence

Four-wheel drive qualifications

Tools

Growsafe

Chainsaw

Job description

Work in the stunning coastal and forest environments across the Wairarapa.Enjoy a varied role combining visitor services, conservation, and asset maintenance.Help create memorable outdoor experiences for campers and day visitors.Salary: $62,192 -$67,446, depending on skills and experience.5 month full-time fixed-term position based in MastertonOur vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaMo te turanga | About the roleBased in Masterton, this role is responsible for helping maintain many of the Wairarapa's most popular destinations. Our campgrounds attract visitors year-round who come to enjoy camping, walking, fishing, swimming, and the area's unique natural and cultural heritage.The successful applicant will be required to work on the weekends and public holidays.As a Ranger, you'll play a key role in delivering a high-quality visitor experience by maintaining campground facilities, monitoring assets and infrastructure, supporting visitor safety, and providing information and assistance to campers and day visitors. Working as part of a small team, you'll help ensure the campground and surrounding recreation areas remain safe, welcoming, and well presented for all who visit.The position will be focussed on:Cleaning and maintaining campground facilities, including amenity blocks and visitor areas.Engaging with the public and ensuring compliance of fee paymentMaintaining water supply infrastructure and supporting asset upkeep'Undertaking track and grounds maintenance'Operating tools and machinery such as scrub cutters and herbicide equipment'Assisting with visitor safety and responding to emergencies as required'Supporting conservation outcomes through practical field-based work'Click here for the Role DescriptionNga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceWe're looking for someone who is practical, self-motivated, and passionate about providing great visitor experiences in the outdoorsIf you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:Experience in a similar role, including cleaning and maintaining campground, visitor, or recreational facilities.'Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to engage positively with a wide range of visitors.'Ability to work independently, use initiative, and solve problems effectively.'Practical maintenance or groundskeeping experience is an advantage'Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and undertake lone work efficiently.'A positive attitude and willingness to help others'Good level of physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions'Experience monitoring water supplies and septic systems (desirable).'A strong commitment to health and safety.'Basic computer skills and confidence using mobile devices'Full New Zealand Driver Licence'Desirable:'Four-wheel drive qualifications.'Growsafe, chainsaw, or other relevant operational certifications.'Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and rostered shifts'Current First Aid Certificate.'He aha nga painga mou? | 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.Want to know more?Tonoa inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We're unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.Salary: $62,192 -$67,446, depending on skills and experience.Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 23 November 2026Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Briggs Pilkington, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor, [e-mail]. Please note, we're unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted..