Ranger Fishery

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

Job summary

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai invites applications for a Ranger, Fishery role at Taupó Fishery in Tūrangi. This hands-on outdoor position blends fisheries fieldwork, compliance, maintenance of recreation assets, and visitor engagement.

You’ll monitor fish populations, support safety, engage anglers and iwi communities, and operate field equipment in remote locations. A full NZ Driver Licence and health and safety commitment are essential.

Qualifications

• Full NZ Driver Licence mandatory.
• MS Office, data management skills required.
• Strong health and safety focus and leadership experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; adapt to audiences.
• Experience in fisheries, conservation or outdoor field operations.
• Experience operating and maintaining field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Fisheries monitoring, surveys, and data collection.
• Compliance and law enforcement activities.
• Maintenance of angler access tracks and recreation assets.
• Support operations at the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
• Build positive relationships with anglers, iwi, landowners, and local communities.
• Work safely in remote locations and respond to emergencies as required.

Skills

Full NZ Driver Licence

MS Office

Health and safety leadership

Excellent communication

Fisheries/conservation experience

Field equipment operation

Fishery management knowledge

Team and independent work

Te reo Māori basics

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Work in and help protect the iconic Taupó | Tūkangi Fishery. Enjoy a varied role combining fieldwork, conservation, compliance, and visitor engagement. Spend your days outdoors in some of New Zealand's most spectacular environments. $65,590–$76,589 depending on skills and experience. Permanent full-time position based in Tūkangi.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Téroa MŁo te tūŁa

About the role

As a Ranger, Fishery, you'll help protect and enhance the world-renowned Taupó Fishery while supporting great experiences for anglers and visitors. This is a hands-on outdoor role combining fisheries fieldwork, compliance activities, recreation asset maintenance, and visitor engagement.

Your focus will include:

• Fisheries monitoring, surveys, and data collection.
• Compliance and law enforcement activities.
• Maintenance of angler access tracks and recreation assets.
• Supporting operations at the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
• Building positive relationships with anglers, iwi, landowners, and local communities.
• Working safely in remote locations and responding to emergencies when required.

Ngā pūkenga me Ą ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Blending office and outdoor work with plenty of field opportunities. If you’re passionate about the outdoors and thrive on variety, we want to hear from you! We’re looking for someone who is practical, motivated, and passionate about conservation and outdoor field work. To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• A full New Zealand Drivers Licence
• Technology savvy; proficiency in MS Office suite, data management and reporting
• A can-do attitude and desire to learn
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to tailor your approach to different audiences
• A strong health and safety focus and experience leading the health and safety of others
• Experience in fisheries, conservation, environmental field operations, compliance, or a related outdoor field-based role.
• Knowledge of fishery management principles and an understanding of recreational fishing and angler needs.
• Practical field skills and confidence working in remote environments, both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience operating and maintaining field equipment, including data collection and monitoring tools.
• Experience using power tools, hand tools, and undertaking general track or recreation asset maintenance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with anglers, community groups, landowners, iwi, and colleagues.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, solve problems, and consistently deliver high-quality work.
• A commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practice.
• A current Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• A current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one.

Desirable:

• Experience in compliance or law enforcement activities.
• Qualifications or experience operating chainsaws, quad bikes, boats, electrofishing equipment, diving equipment, or applying herbicides.
• Knowledge of the Taupó | Tūkangi Fishery or freshwater fisheries management.
• Confidence using basic te reo Maori and tikanga Maori in the workplace.

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 at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

For further enquiries, please contact Mark Venman, Principal Ranger Fisheries, [e-mail].

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

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anń 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