Ranger (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, Kaikōura Ranger position is a fixed-term full-time role based at the Kaikōura Peninsula Field Base. October 2026 to April 2027. You will engage with visitors, share conservation messages, and promote safe wildlife viewing.

You will help reduce disturbance to New Zealand fur seals and other protected species, respond to incidents, and record interactions. The role emphasizes customer service, teamwork, and hands-on outdoor work in a renowned

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills and enjoys engaging with a wide range of people.
• Strong communication skills and confidence sharing information with visitors.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A calm, approachable nature and sound judgement in compliance or emergency situations.
• An interest in conservation, wildlife and the outdoors.
• The ability to use technology including Microsoft Office and reporting systems.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A current First Aid Certificate.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

• Engage with visitors around the Kaikōura Peninsula and provide information on local wildlife and conservation.
• Promote safe and responsible wildlife viewing, particularly around New Zealand fur seals.
• Encourage compliance with conservation regulations and wildlife protection requirements.
• Monitor visitor activity and respond to wildlife disturbance where required.
• Deliver positive, professional visitor experiences that support conservation outcomes.
• Record visitor interactions, incidents, and compliance activities.
• Support conservation projects and wider team initiatives across the district.
• Work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing visitor and operational needs.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Cultural awareness

Outdoor conservation interest

MS Office proficiency

Independent working

Teamwork

Emergency response

First Aid certification

NZ driver licence

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai – Kaikoura County

$61,189 - $67,466 a year

Full time

4d ago , from The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai

Spend your days outdoors on the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula

Help protect New Zealand fur seals and other native wildlife

1x fixed-term full-time opportunity October 2026 to April 2027

Based on Kaikōura Peninsula Field Base

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

As a Ranger based in Kaikōura, you'll help protect one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal wildlife areas through visitor education, advocacy, and compliance activities. Working across the Kaikōura Peninsula, you'll engage with domestic and international visitors, promoting safe and respectful wildlife viewing while helping reduce disturbance to New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) and other protected species.

This is a highly people-focused role, ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with others, sharing conservation messages, and working in the outdoors. You'll play an important part in creating positive visitor experiences while supporting the protection of Kaikōura's unique marine and coastal environment.

Your work will include:

• Engage with visitors around the Kaikōura Peninsula and provide information on local wildlife and conservation.
• Promote safe and responsible wildlife viewing, particularly around New Zealand fur seals.
• Encourage compliance with conservation regulations and wildlife protection requirements.
• Monitor visitor activity and respond to wildlife disturbance where required.
• Deliver positive, professional visitor experiences that support conservation outcomes.
• Record visitor interactions, incidents, and compliance activities.Support conservation projects and wider team initiatives across the district.
• Work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing visitor and operational needs.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Excellent customer service skills and enjoys engaging with a wide range of people.
• Strong communication skills and confidence sharing information with visitors.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• A calm, approachable nature and sound judgement when responding to compliance or emergency situations.
• An interest in conservation, wildlife, and the outdoors.
• Knowledge of New Zealand's tourism and recreation opportunities (local knowledge is an advantage).
• The ability to maintain high standards and stay motivated in a role that can be repetitive at times.
• Confidence using technology, including Microsoft Office and other reporting systems.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A current First Aid Certificate.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

If you're passionate about conservation, enjoy working with people, and thrive in an outdoor environment, we'd love to hear from 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.