Ranger (Island) – Department of Conservation – Te Pakeka / Maud Island

Department of Conservation; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A government conservation agency is seeking an Island Ranger for a full-time, three-year role on Te Pakeka, a predator-free sanctuary in New Zealand. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day operations, ensure biosecurity standards, and support species recovery efforts. Ideal candidates should possess practical conservation experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in remote environments. The position comes with a salary range of $65,070 to $75,981, with accommodation provided on the island.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Capability to thrive in remote environments.
• Experience in pest control or eradication.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day DOC operations on Te Pakeka.
• Maintain visitor facilities and historic sites.
• Control plant pests and support species recovery programmes.

Skills

Practical conservation experience

Strong communication skills

Competence in managing visitor facilities

Ability to build positive relationships

Physical fitness

Computer software proficiency

Education

Qualifications in conservation, ecology, or natural resource management

Tools

GIS technology

GPS technology

4WD qualification

Job description

• Maintain the heartbeat of Te Pakeka – ensuring the island remains thriving and predator-free.
• Wake up surrounded by nature on a predator-free island sanctuary.
• 3-year, full-time role based on Te Pakeka / Maud Island with option to extend.
• The salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981.

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.

About the role

Te Pakeka / Maud Island (309 ha) is a predator-free Scientific Reserve that shelters a remarkable diversity of endemic flora and fauna. Ngāti Kuia hold the kaitiakitanga role to uphold the cultural, spiritual, and environmental integrity of Te Pakeka. The Department of Conservation works alongside Ngāti Kuia to protect and preserve the island’s unique species and heritage values.

As the Island Ranger, you’ll lead the day-to-day DOC operations on Te Pakeka. Your responsibilities will include maintaining visitor facilities and historic sites, controlling plant pests, supporting threatened species recovery programmes, and ensuring strict island biosecurity standards are upheld. You’ll also maintain island infrastructure, coordinate logistics for visitors and staff, and assist Ngāti Kuia in achieving their aspirations for the island.

Initial term of three years, with the possibility of extension for up to five years by mutual agreement.

You’ll be based full-time on Te Pakeka, accommodation available.

Skills and experience

We’re looking for a capable, self-sufficient ranger with strong practical and relationship skills who thrives in remote environments and is passionate about island conservation.

If you have some of the following, we are to hear from you:

• A full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Practical conservation experience in areas such as threatened species management, pest control or eradication, habitat restoration, biosecurity, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Competence in managing visitor facilities and hazards, providing biosecurity briefings, and ensuring a safe, positive visitor experience.
• Collaboration and communication skills to build and maintain positive relationships with iwi, whānau, hapū, colleagues, contractors, and visiting researchers.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori appropriate to the role.
• Physically fit.
• Proficient in the use of a wide variety of computer software programmes, e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Experience living or working in remote field stations or island ecosystems will be an advantage, as will qualifications or training in conservation, ecology, or natural resource management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences.

Desirable

• Experience with GIS, GPS, and other conservation-related technology.
• 4WD qualification.
• First aid certification.

Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

What’s in it for you?

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 here.

Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

Eligibility

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 13 January 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Further enquiries

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai, please contact Dave Hayes, Operations Manager, [e-mail].