Ranger, Community – Department of Conservation – Whakatane

Department of Conservation; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A key government agency for conservation is seeking a passionate Community Ranger in Whakatāne. This full-time role involves engaging with the community to promote conservation initiatives, coordinating events, and supporting legislation processes. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, public speaking ability, and a deep understanding of conservation and cultural issues in New Zealand. Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981 based on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• Highly organised, proactive, and people-focused.
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of individuals.
• Experience in report writing.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
• A full New Zealand driver's Licence.

Responsibilities

• Deliver conservation outreach and advocacy programmes.
• Build relationships with community groups and schools.
• Coordinate community conservation events.
• Engage audiences through social media storytelling.
• Provide advice on conservation applications.
• Write reports and manage documentation.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience working with iwi and community groups

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Outstanding time management skills

Understanding of conservation legislation

Cultural awareness in Te Ao Māori

Content creation skills

Public speaking skills

Passion for conservation

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about conservation and connecting with communities? Make a difference in your community. Be the voice for conservation. Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981, depending on skills and experience. Permanent, full-time position based in Whakatāne.

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.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Eastern North Island Operations team is on the lookout for a passionate, community-focused individual to join the Whakatāne office as a Community Ranger. This is a dynamic, outward-facing role where your communication, advocacy, and engagement skills will shine.

You will be at the forefront of community conservation outreach, connecting with schools, iwi, stakeholders, and the wider public to promote and support conservation goals. From delivering educational programmes to supporting community-led initiatives and events.

This role also involves working closely with our statutory and planning teams to provide advice on conservation-related applications and to support the implementation of key legislation, such as the Conservation Act and Resource Management Act.

The position will be focussed on:

• Delivering conservation outreach and advocacy programmes in the district
• Building strong relationships with iwi, hapū, community groups and schools
• Coordinating and supporting community conservation events and initiatives
• Using social media and storytelling to engage audiences and grow conservation awareness
• Representing DOC at public events and speaking engagements
• Providing input and advice on concessions and Resource Management Act applications
• Writing clear, concise reports and managing documentation
• Supporting the implementation of relevant conservation legislation

Role description can be provided on request.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We’re looking for someone highly organised, proactive, and people-focused—someone who thrives in a role that blends communication, advocacy, and conservation.

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Strong interpersonal skills, able to engage effectively with a wide range of individuals and resolve conflicts while maintaining composure and resilience
• Experience working with iwi, hapū, community groups, schools or local authorities
• Excellent organisational and event planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with experience in report writing, and making complex themes accessible and understandable
• Outstanding time management skills, including the ability to prioritise and maintain a high level of accuracy while working towards fixed deadlines
• A broad understanding of conservation legislation and management and how it contributes to New Zealand’s future sustainability
• Well-developed sense of cultural awareness, particularly in Te Ao Māori
• Flexibility to take on other tasks as reasonably required by DOC, with the ability to adapt to changing needs
• Content creation skills, such as photography and creative writing with proven ability to tell stories across social media and other communication channels
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance in conservation
• Confident public speaker with the ability to engage and inspire a range of audiences
• A passion for Te Papa Atawhai’s Kaupapa and an understanding of Māori Tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• A full New Zealand driver’s Licence

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience. Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 23 October 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

For further enquiries, please contact Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor at [e-mail].