Ranger (Fixed-Term)

DOC; Nelson; Hybrid; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation options available

Job summary

DOC is seeking a Ranger (Fixed-Term) for the Rotoiti Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre. The role involves a mix of front-country and backcountry work, maintaining tracks and amenities, and supporting multiple teams across heritage and visitor operations.

Successful applicants will have a full driver’s license, maintenance or landscaping experience, NZQA qualifications related to tools, strong health and safety focus, good physical fitness for backcountry conditions, and solid teamwork with the ability

Qualifications

• Experience in general maintenance or landscaping.
• Ability to operate safety procedures in field work.
• NZQA qualifications related to tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned project work across heritage and visitor programmes.
• Maintain backcountry and front country tracks and amenities.
• Support other teams in the Nelson Lakes region as required.
• Occasional overnight stays in backcountry locations.

Skills

Driver's license

Maintenance experience

NZQA qualified (chainsaws, weed eaters

Health and safety focus

Physical fitness, backcountry ready

People skills

Tech-savvy (databases/mobile apps)

4WD driving

Education

NZQA qualifications (chainsaws, weed eaters, scrub bars, 4WD)

Tools

Chainsaws

Weed eaters

Scrub bars

4WD

Job description

## Ranger (Fixed-Term)Apply: Rotoiti Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre: Full time: Posted Today: JR102861* Mix of front-country and backcountry work, including tracks, huts, campsites, and visitor facilities* Develop practical conservation skills including asset maintenance, project delivery, and field operations* Diverse role across heritage and visitor operations with no two days the same* $62,192–$67,446 depending on skills and experience* Full-time fixed-term position November – April 2027 based St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes with accommodation options available**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa** **Mō te tūranga | About the role**We are looking for a ranger to work across our Heritage, and Visitor work programme across the Nelson Lakes district. Your day-to-day work will be diverse, offering the opportunity to gain a range of conservation skills across various teams and environments. The position will be focussed on:* Managing assigned project work* Maintaining both back country and front country tracks* Maintaining and cleaning front/ back country amenities* Supporting other teams in the region as required* You will be required to stay away overnight for multiple days in the backcountry **Click here for Role Description** **Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**You will be versatile and resilient and able to tackle a variety of mahi. If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you: * a full drivers' licence, ideally with the ability to manoeuvre a trailer* general maintenance and/or landscaping experience* experience and NZQA qualifications with use of chainsaws, weed eaters, scrub bars and 4WD* strong health and safety focus* good level of physical fitness with backcountry experience* good people skills with an ability to work as part of a team and independently* tech savvy skills with the ability to use computer databases and mobile applications Desirable: * Growsafe certified* a current First Aid certificate* carpentry, construction or building skills and experience* Class 2 licence 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 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.Want to know more? **Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now**Apply 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. **Rā whakakapi | Applications close** at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026**Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries**, please contact Philippa Cox, Principal Ranger, [e-mail]