Ranger | Tūtei (Fixed Term)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range shown: NZD 61,189–67,446

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) invites applications for a Ranger role at Motueka, delivering frontline conservation work across Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. The role is hands-on, involving track and facility maintenance, biodiversity protection, and community engagement.

Reporting to the Principal Ranger, you’ll work in a close-knit team, support visitor facilities, and collaborate with iwi and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Experience in conservation field work, including track maintenance.
• Strong backcountry skills and a high level of physical fitness.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with iwi, community groups, volunteers, and conservation partners.
• Good planning, organisation, and problem-solving abilities.
• 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; Boatmaster qualification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining tracks, huts, bridges, toilets, signage and other visitor facilities to keep them safe and accessible.
• Track clearing and maintenance across front and backcountry.
• 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

Backcountry skills

Physical fitness

Independent & teamwork

Communication

Planning & organisation

Health & safety

GPS & digital systems

Driver's licence

Tools

Chainsaws

Scrub bars

4WD

Tractors

Boatmaster (advantage)

Job description

• Enjoy a unique outdoor role where no two days are the same
• Develop hands-on conservation expertise in a rewarding ranger role
• Salary Range: $61,189 - $67,446, depending on skills and experience
• Fixed 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

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.

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.

Want to know more?

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

Optional 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

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

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

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