Ranger (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in Kaikōura is seeking a Ranger to protect one of New Zealand's iconic coastal wildlife areas. You will educate visitors, promote safe wildlife viewing, and support compliance efforts to reduce disturbance to fur seals and other protected species.

Based in Kaikōura Peninsula, this fixed-term, full-time role emphasizes field-based conservation work, visitor engagement, and collaboration with the wider DOC team to deliver positive visitor experiences and protect the

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and enjoys engaging with a wide range of people.
• Strong communication skills and confidence sharing information with visitors.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Calm, approachable nature and sound judgement in emergencies.
• Interest in conservation, wildlife, outdoors.
• Knowledge of NZ tourism and recreation; local knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to stay motivated in repetitive tasks.
• Proficient with technology including Microsoft Office and reporting systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Current First Aid Certificate and full NZ 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

First Aid

Driver licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Reporting systems

Job description

Spend your days outdoors on the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula Help protect New Zealand fur seals and other native wildlife Salary: $61,189 - $67,466 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 He angitūtanga

About the role

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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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.

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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.

For further enquiries, contact Seasonal Jobs [e-mail]

Our vision:

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō 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.