Ranger | Tūtei (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Motueka; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Share house accommodation available

Job summary

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai in Motueka is seeking a hands-on Ranger to support frontline conservation across Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks. You'll maintain tracks, huts and visitor facilities, help protect biodiversity, and engage with communities and iwi.

You'll work as part of a close-knit team, reporting to the Principal Ranger, with accommodation in a share house available. This fixed-term role runs until May 2027 and offers a rewarding outdoor work environment.

Qualifications

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

Track maintenance

Weed control

Pest control

GrowSafe certification

Backcountry skills

Physical fitness

Independent work

Teamwork

GPS usage

NZ driver’s licence

Machinery operation

Boatmaster qualification

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

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.

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

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.

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? Tonoa inaiānei |

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.

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

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles.

Read more about DOC