Ranger | Tūtei

Department of Conservation; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation in Whanganui is seeking a Ranger to manage facilities, tracks, signage and backcountry maintenance within Whanganui National Park. You will contribute to biodiversity initiatives, predator and weed control, and stakeholder collaboration in both backcountry and front-country settings.

The role involves traveling to remote areas, flexible weekend work, and embedded safety responsibilities while supporting heritage sites and visitor experiences.

Qualifications

• We 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.

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 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 with weekend work required.

Skills

Can-do attitude

Teamwork

Maintenance skills

Communication skills

Planning and organisation

Health and safety

Interpersonal skills

Outdoor fitness

Tikanga Māori

NZ Driver's Licence

Tech aptitude

Education

Conservation/ecology degree

Environmental or natural resource management qualification

GPS/navigation knowledge

Digger/excavator/vessel experience

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 candidate

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

Mō te tūraōk | About the role

How 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 control.
• Building 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 required

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā Åō me ŋ ŋňŇŎŋ | Skills and experience

We 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.

• 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 practicing good Health and Safety processes.
• Developed communication and interpersonal skills.
• High fitness level with outdoor experience.
• Embrace Tikanga Māori 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, LUV
• Experience working with iwi, community groups, volunteers, and conservation partners
• Off track navigation and GPS skills
• Knowledge of New Zealand's native flora, fauna, and ecosystems
• Relevant conservation, ecology, environmental, or natural resource management qualifications
• Understanding of conservation including predator and weed control
• Experience operating a digger, excavator, or vessel

He aha ÅŋŏŎŀ şŎ ånʼn? | 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.

RÃ¥ whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 5th November 2026.

Me he pŋre anŋ, whakapō 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.

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.