Ranger (Fixed Term) – Department of Conservation – Twizel

Department of Conservation; Twizel; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation in Twizel is seeking a Biodiversity Threats Ranger to lead weed control across alpine, tussock grasslands, and forested landscapes. The role is full-time, fixed-term Jan–Apr 2027, based in Twizel, with duties spanning field work and reporting.

You will apply a range of weed control methods, maintain safety standards, and build collaborative relationships with colleagues and partners to protect New Zealand’s unique ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Ability to apply appropriate control methods for a wide range of weed species.
• Good species-identification skills.
• Physically fit and capable of rugged environments.
• GrowSafe certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Full NZ driver's licence.
• Ability to identify native and invasive plant species.
• Experience monitoring, managing, and reporting weed control operations.

Responsibilities

• Weed control management across diverse ecosystems including alpine and tussock grasslands.
• Ensure spray diaries are complete and audit-ready.
• Maintain health and safety standards and report incidents promptly.
• Develop and maintain relationships with DOC colleagues and external stakeholders.

Skills

Weed control methods

Species identification

Physical fitness

GrowSafe certificate

NZ Driver's Licence

Weed monitoring

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Does the idea of working across a diverse landscape including alpine, tussock grasslands and bush environment appeal to you? If so, the beautiful TeManahunaTwizel District is calling you!
• Our Biodiversity team is looking for a Ranger to help implement weed control in a range of unique ecosystems.
• Fixed term January to April 2027, full-time role based in Twizel
• Salary range: $62,192 – $67,446

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

TeManahuna- Twizel Biodiversity Threats team is looking for an experienced person to join their close-knit team.

As a Biodiversity Threats Ranger your focus across the district will be implementing weed control in a range of ecosystems including alpine, tussock grasslands, large scale contiguous forestecosystemsand other significant natural and protected areas within the district.

The successful applicant will be able to work successfully as part of a small team and have sound experience in a variety of weed control methods.

Tasks may include but are not limited to:

• Weed control management, including the use of herbicides, manual removal, mechanical control, scrub-bars, and biological control methods.
• Ensuring spray dairies are complete for any weed control to the levelrequiredfor thirdly reporting and audit trails.
• Ensuring health & safety standards are adhered to and fit-for-purpose and ensuring all incidents/near misses and other required reporting are completedin a timely manner.
• Developing successful relationships across the Department and with external stakeholders.

Ngāpūkengamengāwheako| Skills and experience

The successful applicant must have the ability to apply appropriate controlmethods for a wide range of weed species and have good species-identification skills.

For this role you must be physically fit and capable of working in rugged environments.

The successful applicant will have:

• Current orpreviousGrowSafecertificate.
• Full NZ driver’s licence.
• Ability toidentifyboth native and invasive plant species.
• Experience in monitoring, managing, and reporting on weed control operations.
• Practical problem-solving skills, the ability to think on your feet and use initiative.
• A strong commitment to exceptional health and safety work practices and ability to promote this culture among colleagues.

Desirable:

• Computer-literate, including experience using Microsoft Suite and GIS applications.
• Experience and/or qualifications in working with chainsaws, 4WD vehicles and other field-based equipment.
• Experience using scrub bars and trailers.
• Current first aid certificate.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori.

Check out some awesome things to do in Twizel here!

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.

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 Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact Xanthe Musgrave Principal Ranger at [e-mail]