Ranger (Fixed term/ Secondment)

New Zealand Government; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Christchurch seeks a dedicated conservation worker to support three projects protecting Te Waihora biodiversity. You’ll focus on ecological weed control, pest control, and eco-sourced planting across challenging wetland sites.

The role involves physical tasks, fieldwork, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. A full driver license, readiness for outdoor work, and relevant certificates are preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in varied weed control methods, especially willow suppression.
• Desirable: native restoration planting experience and field data collection.
• Requires a current full driver license and ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
• Preferred: Growsafe, First Aid, 4WD, wader and kayak training.

Responsibilities

• Ecological weed control across project sites with emphasis on Te Waihora area.
• Animal pest control and monitoring to protect biodiversity.
• Eco-sourced planting and ongoing plant maintenance within native restoration goals.
• Work in wetlands with variable conditions and sometimes demanding terrain.

Skills

Weed control methods

Willow plant identification

Native restoration planting

Full driver's license

Physical stamina

Growsafe certificate

First Aid certificate

4WD experience

Wader training

Kayak training

Job description

Exciting opportunity to use your experience and knowledge to benefit conservation outcomes.

Salary range: $61,189 - $67,446

Full time, fixed term or secondment until June 2027, based at Sockburn/Mahaanui Office, Christchurch.

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

About the role

This is an opportunity to join a team who work across three projects - Te Waihora Weed Strikeforce, Kahuria Te Waihora, and the Tārerekautuku Wetland Project. Each project has independent funding which we've combined to create full time work. The aim of all three projects is to protect and enhance the indigenous biodiversity of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. The tasks are physically demanding and are often situated in un-tracked wetlands where environmental conditions can be harsh. Although physically demanding, the work can be incredibly rewarding as we continue to make a positive change at a landscape scale on the margins of Te Waihora. This role will be focussed on: ecological weed control animal pest control eco-sourced planting plant maintenance.

Skills and experience

• If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you: experience in varied methods of weed control, particularly for willow plant identification native restoration planting experience current, full driver license required ability to do repetitive physical work long-term.
• Desirable: Growsafe certificate kayak training wader training scrub bar experience 4WD experience and training First Aid certificate.

About the team

The team in the Mahaanui District delivers the broad range of conservation work from the Rakaia River in the south to the Conway River (just south of Kaikoura) in the north. This includes the Christchurch and Banks Peninsula area. ' There are also a range of terrestrial biodiversity values, threats, conservation areas and recreation opportunities that require protection and maintenance. The District manages an offshore island with high biodiversity values, has a base in Akaroa, a native plant nursery at Motukarara and a visitor centre in the city centre.

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

Salary: $61,189 - $67,446 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility

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

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 13 September 2026.

Contact

For further enquiries, please contact Gary Boyd Supervisor at'[e-mail]