Ranger Heritage and Visitor

New Zealand Government; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Papa Atawhai in Fiordland seeks a field-based ranger team member to maintain huts, bridges and historic sites, support rangers with logistics, and lead safety briefings. The role is predominantly outdoors in remote backcountry, with some office tasks for planning and organisation.

You’ll be part of a supportive team in Te Anau, contributing to projects across national parks and backcountry tracks. A valid driver’s licence and strong safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• A hands-on practical skillset from carpentry, building, plumbing, or infrastructure maintenance.
• A high level of physical fitness and backcountry experience.
• Experience in hut and bridge maintenance.
• An understanding of or experience working around helicopters and boats.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Tech-savvy with apps and computer-based systems.
• A strong health and safety focus.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• A valid driver's licence.
• An ability to lead teams and volunteers undertaking work for the department.

Responsibilities

• Maintain back country huts, bridges and other structures.
• Perform maintenance on historic sites and tracks in the back and front country.
• Lead track clearing and maintenance using scrub bars, chainsaws, and diggers where qualified.
• Support rangers at Great Walk huts with supplies and sewage system maintenance.
• Lead safety briefings daily and ensure team safety.
• Work in remote and rugged environments, sometimes via helicopter or walking.

Skills

Backcountry experience

Hut/bridge maintenance

Team leadership

Helicopter/boat familiarity

Driving licence

Health and safety focus

Tech-savvy (apps/computers)

First Aid certificate

Chainsaw certification

Excavator operation

Education

Trade qualification in carpentry/building/infrastructure

Tools

Chainsaw operation

Excavator operation

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Put your practical skills to use in mahi that connects people with nature* Work outdoors in Fiordland's remote backcountry* Salary Range: $65,590 - $76,589* Permanent, full time role, based in Te Anau**Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa****Mō te tūranga | About the role**You'll play a key role in maintaining visitor and historic assets across Fiordland National Park while supporting the Principal Ranger with field operations, logistics, and technical guidance for the ranger team.In this role, you will be involved in:'* maintaining back country huts, bridges, and other structures'* maintenance work on our historic sites'* track clearing and maintenance in the back and front country, using scrub bars, chainsaws, and diggers (if you have the qualifications)'* supporting rangers at Great Walk huts with supplies and sewage system maintenance'* leading team safety briefings and taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of your team mates every day'* access to work sites is either driving, walking or helicopter.''This position is predominantly field'based, with most of your work taking place in remote and rugged environments where you'll be required to spend extended periods in the backcountry. You'll also complete some office'based tasks to support project planning and organisation.'**'****Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**We are looking for a confident communicator who can work well in a team environment as well as alone. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:'* a hands-on practical skillset, ideally gained through carpentry, building, plumbing, infrastructure maintenance, or similar trades* a high level of physical fitness and experience in the backcountry'* experience in hut and bridge maintenance'* an understanding of or experience working around helicopters and boats'* good planning and organisational skills'* tech-savvy skills and experience using apps and computer-based systems'* a strong health and safety focus'* outstanding interpersonal and communication skills'* a valid driver's licence'* an ability to lead teams and volunteers undertaking work for the department.'Desirable:'* a current First Aid certificate'* chainsaw certification* Excavator operating certification/experience**Mō te tīma | About the team'**You will be joining a supportive and collaborative team who value their staff and invest in personal development and growth. The wider Te Anau office consist of 50 staff, and this increases by approximately 40 during the busy summer season.The operational team is led by the Operations Manager and consists of the Heritage and Visitors, Biodiversity, and Community teams. We have a positive work culture and sometimes get to work across teams when there is priority work on.'DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default. You can learn more about what we offer**Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now**Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.The salary range for this position is $65,590 to $76,589 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being 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 11:59 pm on Monday 5 October 2026**Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries**, please contact Luke Bovill - Principal Ranger at [e-mail].| Location: | Southland |