Ranger | Tūtei (Fixed Term)

New Zealand Government; Motueka; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation in share house

Job summary

New Zealand Government in Motueka is seeking a practical Ranger to join the team at Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. You will deliver frontline conservation work, maintain visitor facilities, protect biodiversity and support community partners in a hands-on environment.

The role requires conservation-field experience, strong backcountry skills, and the ability to work independently or with a team. Accommodation share-house options are available; driving across sites and after-hours work

Qualifications

• Experience in conservation field work, including track maintenance, weed and/or pest control.
• Strong backcountry skills and a high level of physical fitness.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with experience working alongside iwi, community groups, volunteers, and conservation partners, and a willingness to engage with Te Ao Māori and tikanga
• Good planning, organisation, and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Confidence using GPS, mobile devices, and digital systems.
• A full New Zealand driver's licence and willingness to work away from home and participate in after-hours/ weekend responses as required
• Practical experience using machinery such as chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WD, tractors etc
• Experience operating vessels; a Boatmaster qualification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining tracks, huts, bridges, toilets, signage and other visitor facilities to ensure they are safe and accessible.
• Track clearing and maintenance across front and backcountry areas.
• Carrying out sewerage system maintenance and related tasks.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, visitors and colleagues.
• Participating in team safety activities and taking responsibility for your own safety and that of your teammates.

Skills

Conservation field work

Backcountry skills

Independent & team work

Communication & relationship-building

Planning & problem-solving

Health & safety

GPS & digital devices

NZ Driver's licence

Willingness for after-hours work

Machinery operation experience

Vessel operation (Boatmaster advantage

Job description

Enjoy a unique outdoor role where no two days are the sameDevelop hands-on conservation expertise in a rewarding ranger roleSalary Range: $61,189 - $67,446, depending on skills and experienceFixed Term Opportunity - till end of May 2027 Call Abel Tasman National Park your office, with Great Walks, beautiful wildlife and crystal-clear waters at your doorstep.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga | About the role

About the role

The Department of Conservation protects and manages Aotearoa New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. As part of this, the Regional Operations Group delivers the frontline conservation work that protects and enhances the places, species, and ecosystems entrusted to DOC. We're looking for a passionate and practical Ranger to join our close-knit team in Motueka. Reporting to the Principal Ranger, you'll play an important role in delivering frontline conservation work across Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll help maintain visitor facilities, protect native biodiversity, and care for some of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.

The position will be focussed on:

• Maintaining tracks, huts, bridges, toilets, signage and other visitor facilities to ensure they are safe and accessible.
• Track clearing and maintenance across front and backcountry areas.
• Carrying out sewerage system maintenance and related tasks.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, visitors and colleagues.
• Participating in team safety activities and taking responsibility for your own safety and that of your teammates.

If you're looking for a rewarding outdoor role where no two days are the same and want to help protect some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most treasured places, we'd love to hear from you.

Accommodation in a share house is available if required (via a tenancy agreement). Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate families or pets.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Experience in conservation field work, including track maintenance, weed and/or pest control. (GrowSafe certification advantageous)
• Strong backcountry skills and a high level of physical fitness.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with experience working alongside iwi, community groups, volunteers, and conservation partners, and a willingness to engage with Te Ao Māori and tikanga
• Good planning, organisation, and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.
• Confidence using GPS, mobile devices, and digital systems.
• A full New Zealand driver's licence and willingness to work away from home and participate in after-hours/ weekend responses as required
• Practical experience using machinery such as chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WD, tractors etc
• Experience operating vessels; a Boatmaster qualification is advantageous.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.

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: $61,189 - $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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 24th September. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly.

For further enquiries, please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]