Ranger Fishery

New Zealand Government Joba; Tūrangi; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) in Tūrangi is seeking a Ranger, Fishery to protect and enhance the Taupōn Fishery and support anglers and visitors. The role combines fieldwork, compliance, track maintenance, and visitor engagement in outdoor settings.

Split between office and field tasks, you will monitor fisheries, assist with data collection, enforce regulations, and maintain access assets while collaborating with iwi and local communities.

Qualifications

• Blending office and outdoor work with field opportunities.
• Must have a valid NZ work visa.
• Experience in fisheries, conservation, environmental field operations, or a related outdoor role.

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 relationships with anglers, iwi, landowners, and communities.
• Work safely in remote locations and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Fisheries fieldwork

Compliance

Data collection

Communication

Health and safety leadership

Driver Licence

MS Office proficiency

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

First Aid Certificate

Full New Zealand Drivers Licence

Tools

Power tools

Chainsaws

Job description

Work in and help protect the iconic Taupōn | Tūrangi 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 Tūrangi.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūruĊ Mō te tūranga |

As a Ranger, Fishery, you'll help protect and enhance the world-renowned Taupōn 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 pūuōka me āngŋ 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 Taupōn | Tūrangi Fishery or freshwater fisheries management
• Confidence using basic te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in the workplace

Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to submit an application.

He aha āngŋ āpōŋ 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 14 October 2026

Me he pātai anŋ, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Mark Venman, Principal Ranger Fisheries, [e-mail].