Ranger (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai in Queenstown is seeking a field-based role to maintain visitor facilities across the Wakatipu District. You’ll keep amenities clean, safe and welcoming for visitors amid Aotearoa’s iconic landscapes.

The role involves practical mowing, weed control and site monitoring across multiple sites with occasional backcountry work and travel throughout the district. Training on equipment will be provided.

Qualifications

• Use of weed eaters/scrub bars.
• Weed spraying (knapsack 15L).
• Basic maintenance of small petrol engines.
• Experience operating small lawn tractors and mowers.
• Practical maintenance skills.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Current Full Driver’s Licence.
• Knowledge of field delivery work.
• Knowledge of basic horticulture and garden maintenance.
• Proficient with desktop and handheld computing devices.
• Backcountry experience such as tramping/mountaineering.
• Extensive trapline network knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Maintain visitor amenities (toilets, carparks, reserves and campgrounds).
• Perform practical field tasks such as mowing, weed control, water supply maintenance and facility upkeep.
• Support visitor experiences through site monitoring and campground compliance activities.

Skills

Weed eating tools

Weed spraying

Engine maintenance

Lawn tractors

Maintenance basics

First Aid

Driver's license

Field delivery

Horticulture

Tech literacy

Backcountry

Traplines

Job description

Spend your days outdoors, not behind a desk

Diverse hands-on work across a variety of visitor sites

Fixed term, full-time role October – May 2027 based in Queenstown

The salary range for this position is $62,069 - $67,446

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

About the role

Join our Heritage and Visitor team maintaining visitor amenities and recreation sites across the Wakatipu District. Based Queenstown, you'll help ensure facilities are clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors enjoying some of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.

• Maintaining visitor amenities, including toilets, carparks, reserves, and campgrounds.
• Completing practical field work such as mowing, weed control, water supply maintenance, and facility upkeep.
• Supporting visitor experiences through site monitoring and campground compliance activities.

The role involves regular travel throughout the district, from the Routeburn Track to the Kawarau Gorge, servicing a range of visitor sites.

Training on equipment such as ride-on mowers and weed eaters will be provided.

There may also be opportunities to assist with other field projects and occasional overnight backcountry work.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Use of weed eaters/scrub bars
• Weed spraying (knapsack 15ltr)
• Basic maintenance of small petrol driven engines
• Experience with operating small lawn tractors and mowers
• Applies use of practical maintenance skills
• Has a current First Aid certificate
• Has a current Full Driver’s Licence
• Has a knowledge of field delivery work
• Has a knowledge of basic horticulture and garden maintenance work
• Applies effective use of desktop and hand-held computing devices and apps
• Back country experience ie tramping/mountaineering etc
• Traplines (Extensive network of Traps throughout the Wakatipu)

Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.

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.

Tonoa inaiānei

We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

The salary range for this position is $62,069 - $67,446 with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11.59pm Tuesday 22 September 2026

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.

Read more about DOC