Ranger (Campground) (Fixed-Term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in Masterton is seeking a Ranger to maintain campground facilities, monitor assets, and assist visitors with information and safety. The role combines conservation work with practical maintenance across Wairarapa's popular destinations.

Applicants should have experience in similar roles, strong customer service, and the ability to work weekends and public holidays. A NZ Driver Licence and First Aid are required; safety and outdoor fitness are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role maintaining campground, visitor, or recreational facilities.
• Strong customer service and communication skills to engage with a wide range of visitors.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems; team collaboration also required.
• Practical maintenance or groundskeeping experience is an advantage.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence; willingness to obtain any required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain campground facilities and visitor areas.
• Engage with the public and ensure fee payment compliance.
• Maintain water supply infrastructure and support asset upkeep.
• Undertake track and grounds maintenance.
• Operate tools and machinery such as scrub cutters and herbicide equipment.
• Assist with visitor safety and respond to emergencies as required.
• Support conservation outcomes through practical field-based work.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Driver Licence (NZ)

First Aid certification

Outdoor work readiness

Safety awareness

Independent working

Tools

Scrub cutters

Herbicide equipment

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 Masterton

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

About the role

Based 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.

• 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 and experience

We're looking for someone who is practical, self‑motivated, and passionate about providing great visitor experiences in the 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).
• 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 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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 23 November 2026

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Briggs Pilkington, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor, [e-mail].

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

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.