Ranger (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

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

Job summary

DOC is seeking a Ranger based on Rakiura/Stewart Island to maintain and improve visitor and heritage assets across this iconic conservation destination. You will work with an experienced team on track maintenance, hut and facility upkeep, repairs, and small infrastructure projects, based in Oban with travel across coastal and backcountry areas.

This role involves remote backcountry work up to 10 days, using hand and power tools, contributing to pest control and environmental restoration, and

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work independently in remote environments.
• Practical maintenance work experience with tracks, huts or facilities.
• Competent in safe use of hand and power tools.
• High physical fitness for demanding outdoor work.
• Experience in backcountry/outdoor settings desirable.
• Strong problem‑solving and practical approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental stewardship.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• First Aid certification or chainsaw qualifications advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake track maintenance and improvement work, including drainage, vegetation control, track surfacing, and minor construction projects.
• Carry out maintenance and repairs to huts, buildings, and visitor facilities.
• Support upkeep of heritage sites and visitor assets across the island.
• Assist with visitor services and provide information to visitors.
• Work in remote backcountry locations for up to 10 days, travel by foot, boat or vehicle as required.
• Contribute to conservation projects such as pest control and environmental restoration.
• Maintain tools and equipment for safe field operations.
• Follow health and safety procedures in remote environments.

Skills

Communication

Independence

Maintenance work

Tool use

Fitness

Backcountry experience

Problem solving

Teamwork

Safety mindset

Driver license

First aid

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

• Live and work on stunning Rakiura/Stewart Island
• Spend your days outdoors in unique conservation landscapes
• Variety of hands‑on work across tracks, huts, and visitor facilities
• 1x fixed‑term full‑time opportunity 5 October 2026 to 2 April 2027
• Based on Rakiura Stewart Island

• Live and work on stunning Rakiura/Stewart Island
• Spend your days outdoors in unique conservation landscapes
• Variety of hands‑on work across tracks, huts, and visitor facilities
• Salary: $61,189 - $67,466
• 1x fixed‑term full‑time opportunity 5 October 2026 to 2 April 2027
• Based on Rakiura Stewart Island

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

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Ranger based on Rakiura/Stewart Island, you will be helping maintain and improve a wide range of visitor and heritage assets across one of New Zealand's most remarkable conservation destinations. Working alongside an experienced team, you'll carry out practical field‑based work including track maintenance, hut and facility upkeep, basic building repairs, and visitor infrastructure projects. Based in Oban, this role offers the opportunity to work across stunning coastal and backcountry environments while contributing to conservation outcomes and helping ensure visitors enjoy safe and memorable experiences on Rakiura.

• Undertake track maintenance and improvement work, including drainage, vegetation control, track surfacing, and minor construction projects
• Carry out basic maintenance and repairs to huts, buildings, and visitor facilities
• Support the upkeep of heritage sites, structures, and visitor assets across the island
• Assist with visitor services by providing information and contributing to positive visitor experiences
• Work in remote backcountry locations for periods of up to 10 days, travelling by foot, boat, or vehicle as required
• Contribute to conservation projects, including pest control and environmental restoration activities
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials to support safe and efficient field operations
• Follow health and safety procedures while working in remote and challenging environments.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage positively with a wide range of visitors and stakeholders
• Proven ability to work independently, use initiative, and remain self‑reliant in remote and isolated environments
• Practical experience undertaking track, facility, or general maintenance work
• Competent in the safe use of hand and power tools
• High level of physical fitness and resilience to undertake demanding outdoor fieldwork in challenging terrain and weather conditions
• Experience working in backcountry, outdoor, conservation, or remote environments is desirable
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a practical, hands‑on approach to work
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of health, safety, and environmental stewardship
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence
• First Aid certification, chainsaw qualifications, or experience operating machinery would be advantageous

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.

Salary: $61,189 to $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 Sunday 20 September 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

contact Seasonal Jobs [e-mail]