Ranger | Tūtei (Fixed term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Whangarei; Presencial; NZD 62.000 - 67.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, is seeking a Ranger to join the Whangārei operations team. The role focuses on field-based conservation activities, track and facility maintenance, and collaboration with partners, volunteers, and contractors.

It offers varied outdoor work and opportunities to develop practical skills while delivering conservation outcomes in the Whangārei district. You will work across environments, maintain visitor assets, and support pest control and

Formación

• Practical outdoor work experience and a hands‑on approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments.
• Strong health, safety, and risk management awareness.

Responsabilidades

• Ensure facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.
• Maintain visitor assets and track upkeep.
• Contribute to conservation work programmes.
• Undertake pest plant and animal control.
• Support field-based initiatives and partnerships.
• Monitor, report, and plan project work.
• Maintain equipment and operational standards.
• Uphold health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Conocimientos

Outdoor work experience

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Good communication

Health and safety focus

Educación

Conservation/environmental management qualification

Current First Aid certificate

Growsafe certification

GPS/ArcGIS familiarity

Licence with manual transmission

Descripción del empleo

Join a passionate team delivering conservation outcomes across the Whangārei District. Use your practical field skills and commitment to conservation to help protect and enhance some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most special places.

Salary Range: $62,192 to $67,446 depending on skills and experience. Fixed term, full-time position through to June 2027 | based in Whangārei

If you enjoy physical work, problem-solving, and being outdoors, this could be the role for you! Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga

About the role

This is your chance to become part of a strong, tight-knit, and hardworking team dedicated to protecting our unique natural heritage. As a Ranger within the operations team, you'll work across the Whangārei District, contributing to a range of field-based conservation activities and projects as well as contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our visitor assets. Working alongside colleagues, contractors, volunteers and partners, you'll help deliver practical conservation outcomes across a variety of environments. This role is predominantly field based, providing variety, challenge, and opportunities to further develop your skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes for people and nature. The position will be focussed on:

• Ensuring facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.
• Track clearing and maintenance of our visitor assets
• Contribute to conservation work programmes
• Undertake pest plant and animal control
• Support conservation and field-based initiatives
• Work collaboratively with partners, volunteers, and stakeholders
• Monitor, report, and plan project work
• Maintain equipment and operational standards
• Uphold health, safety, and environmental requirements

This is a full time, fixed term Monday to Friday role based in Whangārei.

Skills and experience

Are you someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, thrives in a team environment, and takes pride in delivering high-quality work in an outdoor environment? We're looking for a motivated and adaptable Ranger who can bring a hands‑on approach, strong problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to health and safety in the field. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A positive, can‑do attitude with strong problem‑solving skills
• Practical experience in carpentry, construction, building maintenance, or related trades
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments
• Practical, hands‑on experience (e.g. chainsaws, brush cutters, carpentry, or general construction/maintenance)
• Experience undertaking pest plant and/or pest animal control
• Experience working in field‑based, conservation, or outdoor environments
• Confidence using computers and learning new systems and technology
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in partnership with others, including whānau, hapū, iwi, and stakeholders
• Understanding of risk management, hazard identification, and health & safety practices
• A full NZ driver’s licence with the ability to drive a manual

Desirable:

• LUV experience and relevant qualification
• Growsafe certification
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Experience using GPS, ArcGIS Field Maps, or similar mobile field applications
• Experience using scrubbar and chainsaw
• Qualification in conservation, environmental management, ecology, or a related field

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.

Eligibility

You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Application closing date

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 22nd November 2026.

Contact

For further enquiries about this role, please contact Heloise Ory, Principal Ranger at [e-mail].

Our vision

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga

Department description

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.