Ranger (Island) (Fixed-Term) (Seasonal)

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

Job summary

DOC Ranger role on Matiu/Somes Island involves welcoming visitors, maintaining visitor facilities and bookable accommodation to a high standard, and supporting island conservation with pest management and track upkeep. You will work with iwi, volunteers and contractors in a unique island environment on Wellington Harbour.

Role includes operational support, collaboration on conservation activities, and working closely with island partners to protect this culturally significant taonga.

Qualifications

• Understanding Te Ao Māori principles and Taranaki Whānui tikanga.
• Able to converse and engage with a wide range of people.
• Reasonable level of fitness.
• Enjoy working in all weather.
• Be personable and self-motivated.
• Be organised and flexible.
• Able to work safely on your own in a remote location.
• Able to work effectively and often without supervision.
• Have the confidence and resourcefulness to resolve a variety of situations.
• Current First Aid Certificate and drivers’ license would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming visitors and contributing to positive experiences for iwi, community groups and the public.
• Cleaning and maintaining visitor facilities and bookable accommodation to a high standard.
• Maintaining tracks, boardwalks and associated infrastructure.
• Supporting pest-free outcomes through trap monitoring and maintenance.
• Carrying out vegetation and amenity management using scrub cutters, lawnmowers and other machinery.
• Working alongside iwi, volunteers, contractors and community groups on a range of projects.
• Providing operational support and island cover for the Island Ranger as required.
• Assisting with a variety of island management and conservation activities.

Skills

Te Ao Māori principles

Conversation skills

Fitness level

Weather resilience

Personable

Organised

Independent work safety

Autonomy

Resourcefulness

First Aid & licence advantage

Job description

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

• Work on one of Wellington Harbour's iconic island sanctuaries
• Enjoy a unique island-based workplace with stunning harbour views
• Support the protection of culturally significant taonga
• Full-time fixed term opportunity from November until February 2027 based on Matiu Somes Island
• Salary: $61,189 - $67,466

He angitūtanga | About the role

This is a unique opportunity to help protect and enhance the Wellington Harbour Islands of Matiu/Somes, Mokopuna and Mākaro/Ward. These islands are treasured taonga of Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, who hold ownership and provide strategic direction through the Kaitiaki Strategy and Plan. Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) works in partnership with the Kaitiaki Board to deliver the day-to-day management and care of the islands.

Located in the heart of Wellington Harbour, Matiu/Somes Island is just a short ferry ride from Queens Wharf or Days Bay, with transport provided by East by West Ferries.

As a Ranger, you'll play a key role in maintaining the island's facilities and natural environment while helping create positive experiences for visitors, iwi and community groups. Working in a unique island setting, you'll support conservation outcomes through facility maintenance, pest management, track upkeep, vegetation control, and collaboration with volunteers, contractors and iwi partners. You'll also provide operational support and cover for the Island Ranger when required.

Key responsibilities

• Welcoming visitors and contributing to positive experiences for iwi, community groups and the public.
• Cleaning and maintaining visitor facilities and bookable accommodation to a high standard.
• Maintaining tracks, boardwalks and associated infrastructure.
• Supporting pest-free outcomes through trap monitoring and maintenance.
• Carrying out vegetation and amenity management using scrub cutters, lawnmowers and other machinery.
• Working alongside iwi, volunteers, contractors and community groups on a range of projects.
• Providing operational support and island cover for the Island Ranger as required.
• Assisting with a variety of island management and conservation activities.
• This role offers the chance to work in a special island environment, contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes, and be part of a team dedicated to protecting one of Wellington's most significant natural and cultural treasures.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• An understanding of Te Ao Māori principles and Taranaki Whānui tikanga.
• Able to converse and engage with a wide range of people.
• Reasonable level of fitness.
• Enjoy working in all weather.
• Be personable and self-motivated.
• Be organised and flexible.
• Able to work safely on your own in a remote location.
• Able to work effectively and often without supervision.
• Have the confidence and resourcefulness to resolve a variety of situations.
• Current First Aid Certificate and drivers’ license would be an advantage.

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.

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.

Eligibility

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.

Salary

$61,189to $67,446, depending on skills and experience.

For further enquiries, contact Seasonal Jobs [e-mail]