Ranger Heritage and Visitors

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Kaitaia; On-site; NZD 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, in Kaitaia is seeking a motivated field-based team member to maintain campgrounds, historic sites and visitor infrastructure. You will help deliver high-quality visitor experiences while protecting natural and cultural heritage in the Far North.

You will work outdoors most days, with some office-based planning tasks and opportunities to collaborate across teams. A full, current driver licence and a passion for the outdoors are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on practical skillset gained through carpentry, building, plumbing or infrastructure maintenance.
• High physical fitness and outdoor work experience.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Proactive mindset with practical problem-solving ability.
• Experience with digital tools, mobile apps and computer systems.
• Full, current driver licence.
• Ability to lead teams and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campgrounds to be safe, welcoming and ready for visitors, including rubbish collection and servicing wastewater systems.
• Carry out maintenance on historic sites and other visitor infrastructure.
• Undertake track maintenance and vegetation clearance in front and backcountry environments.
• Operate tools and machinery such as chainsaws, scrub bars, weed-eaters, tractors and mowers.
• Lead safety briefings and model safe practices for the team and volunteers.
• Support planning, reporting and project delivery with office-based tasks.

Skills

Hands-on skills

Outdoor work

Team leadership

Safety focus

Interpersonal comms

Driver license

Digital tools

Machinery operation

Tools

Chainsaws

Scrub bars

Weed-eaters

Tractors

Mowers

Carpentry equipment

Hand tools

Job description

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

Put your practical skills to use in mahi that connects people with nature Make a real difference in the conservation outcomes in the Kaitaia region! The salary ranges from $65,590 - $76,589 depending on skills and experience. Permanent, full-time role based in Kaitaia Make the beautiful Far North your office and enjoy a challenging, rewarding career contributing to positive Conservation outcomes.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available to join our Heritage and Visitors team based in Kaitaia. We are seeking a motivated and collaborative team member who is passionate about conservation, visitor experiences, and making a positive difference for people and nature. As part of a dedicated team, you will help manage and maintain an extensive network of recreational assets that enable people to safely experience and connect with some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most iconic natural places. From tracks and huts to visitor facilities and historic sites, you'll play a key role in delivering high-quality visitor experiences while protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes the Far North unique. In this role, you will be involved in: maintaining campgrounds to ensure they are safe, welcoming and ready for visitors, including rubbish collection and servicing wastewater systems carrying out maintenance work on historic sites and other visitor infrastructure undertaking track maintenance and vegetation clearance in both front and backcountry environments using tools and machinery such as scrub bars and chainsaws leading team safety briefings and taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others every day maintaining positive relationships with our Treaty partners, mana whenua, stakeholders and visitors. This position is predominantly field-based, with most of your time spent working outdoors. You'll also complete office-based tasks to support planning, reporting and project delivery. There will be opportunities to work across teams and contribute to emergency response activities when required.

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 working in outdoor environments
• good planning and organisational skills
• a proactive approach and a 'No. 8 wire' mindset, with the ability to think creatively and find practical solutions
• confidence using digital tools, mobile applications and computer-based systems
• experience operating hand tools and machinery such as chainsaws, scrub bars, weed-eaters, tractors, mowers and carpentry equipment
• a strong commitment to health, safety and wellbeing
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• a passion for the outdoors and an interest in developing a long-term career with DOC
• a full, current driver licence
• the ability to lead teams and volunteers undertaking work for the Department

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: $65,590 - $76,589, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility

You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment. Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 18th October. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]

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