Ranger (Fixed term/ Secondment)

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Christchurch is seeking a motivated person to join the Mahaanui District. You will contribute to three projects—Te Waihora Weed Strikeforce, Kahuria Te Waihora, and the Tārerekautuku Wetland Project—to protect indigenous biodiversity around Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere.

This full-time, fixed-term role (or secondment) is based at Sockburn/Mahaanui and will run until June 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience in varied weed control methods, particularly for willow.
• Plant identification skills and native restoration planting experience preferred.
• Current, full driver license is required.

Responsibilities

• Ecological weed control across project sites.
• Animal pest control to protect biodiversity.
• Eco-sourced planting and plant maintenance work.
• Long-term, repetitive physical work in challenging environments.

Skills

Weed control

Willow control

Plant identification

Native planting

Driver's license

Physical stamina

Teamwork

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

Mō te tūranga | 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.
  
  

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | 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.
  
  

Mō te tīma | 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.

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 | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

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

Salary: $61,189 - $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 13 September 2026, This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Gary Boyd Supervisor [e-mail]