Ranger (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Kaikōura; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a Ranger based in Kaikōura to safeguard coastal wildlife areas through visitor education, advocacy, and compliance activities. You will engage with both domestic and international visitors, promoting safe wildlife viewing while minimizing disturbance to protected species across the Kaikōura Peninsula.

Your role emphasizes people skills, delivering positive visitor experiences, and contributing to conservation outcomes in a dynamic outdoor setting.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• Strong communication and confidence sharing information with visitors.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work with diverse groups.
• Calm, approachable nature with good judgement in compliance or emergencies.
• Genuine interest in conservation, wildlife, and the outdoors who can work outdoors.

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 priorities, and adapt to changing needs.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Cultural awareness

Conservation interest

Independent and team work

First Aid readiness

NZ tourism knowledge

Calm under pressure

Technology literacy

Education

First Aid Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

• 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

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.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $61,189 - $67,466, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

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

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