Ranger | Tutei

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) Whanganui invites applications for a Permanent, full-time Ranger based in Whanganui. The role focuses on facilities and track maintenance, biodiversity work, and stakeholder engagement in backcountry and front-country areas of Whanganui National Park.

You will support safety, operate in rugged terrain, and travel regularly, including weekends on the Whanganui Journey Great Walk. A NZ Driver's Licence and fitness for fieldwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and a can-do attitude with problem solving ability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments.
• Basic handy person and maintenance skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Good planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to Health and Safety practices.
• High fitness level with outdoor experience.
• Tikanga Maori cultural perspectives and values.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.
• Track clearing and maintenance in the back and front country.
• Maintaining toilets, huts, bridges, and other structures.
• Biodiversity initiatives: trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control.
• Building relationships with stakeholders and internal staff.
• Rostered Hut Ranger cover at least once a month on the Whanganui Journey Great Walk (weekends; flexibility required).
• Office-based tasks supporting planning and coordination of projects.
• Regular backcountry work with travel and up to 3 nights away from home per week.

Skills

Conservation focus

Problem solving

Independent work

Team player

Maintenance skills

Communication

Planning & organisation

Health & safety

Outdoor fitness

Tikanga Maori

NZ Driver Licence

Iwi engagement

GPS navigation

Education

Conservation/ecology qualification

Tools

Digger/ excavator operation

Job description

Live and work in one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most spectacular natural environments - Whanganui National Park!Salary range: $62,192 to $67,446 depending on skills and experiencePermanent, fulltime position | based in Whanganui but may consider other locations within the district for the right candidateOur vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TuroaMo te turanga | About the roleHow would you like to call the scenic Whanganui National Park your new office? Would you enjoy mahi that involves a Great Walk, beautiful heritage sites, including the Whanganui River and local treasures.The Ranger is a crucial operational role within the close-knit team based in Whanganui. You will be contributing to meaningful mahi in both the back and front-country as you assist the Regional Operations Whanganui District team with maintaining some of Aotearoa New Zealand's beautiful heritage sites.The position will be focussed on:Ensuring facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.Track clearing and maintenance in the back and front country.Maintaining toilets, huts, bridges, and other structures.Biodiversity initiatives: trapping, monitoring, predator and weed controlBuilding and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and internal staff.Participating in team safety briefings and taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of your teammates every day.Rostered Hut Ranger cover at least once a month on the Whanganui Journey Great Walk this will include weekend work so flexibility is a must.While this position is mostly field-based you will also be required to complete office-based tasks assisting the Principal Ranger with planning and organising of projects.You will be required to often work in backcountry locations - in remote and rugged terrain.' You must be flexible and available to regularly travel and to stay away from home up to 3 nights a week. Some weekend work will be requiredClick here for the Role Description'Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceWe are looking for a proactive team player with a passion for conservation and a practical approach to field-based work. You'll be comfortable working across a range of biodiversity activities, building positive relationships, and contributing to the delivery of meaningful conservation outcomes.If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:Enthusiasm and a can-do attitude with problem solving ability.Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments.Basic handy person and maintenance skills.Strong communication and relationship-building skillsGood planning, organisational, and problem-solving skillsA commitment to practicing good Health and Safety processes.Developed communication and interpersonal skills.High fitness level with outdoor experience.Embrace Tikanga Maori cultural perspectives and values.Full New Zealand Driver's Licence.Tech skills with ability to learn new systems.Desirable:Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WDS, LUVExperience working with iwi, community groups, volunteers, and conservation partnersOff track navigation and GPS skills.Knowledge of New Zealand's native flora, fauna, and ecosystemsRelevant conservation, ecology, environmental, or natural resource management qualificationsUnderstanding of conservation including predator and weed control.Experience operating a digger, excavator, or vessel.He aha nga painga mou? | 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 inaianei | Apply nowApply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.Salary: $62,192 to $67,446, 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.Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 5th November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptlyMe he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Josh Kilmister, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitors at [e-mail] Please note, we're unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.