Ranger | Tūtei (Fixed term)

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

Job summary

The Department of Conservation in Whangārei is seeking a hands-on Ranger to protect New Zealand's natural heritage. This full-time fixed-term role involves working in the Whangārei District on field-based conservation activities, maintaining tracks and assets, pest plant and animal control, and collaborating with partners.

Candidates bring practical field skills, such as carpentry or maintenance, a full NZ driver's license, and good communication skills to work with iwi and communities.

Qualifications

• Experience in field-based conservation projects.
• Practical hands-on experience with maintenance and repair work.
• Ability to work independently and in teams in challenging environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.
• Track clearing and maintenance of visitor assets.
• Contribute to conservation work programmes and pest control.
• Carry out pest plant and animal control activities.
• Support conservation and field-based initiatives.
• Collaborate with partners, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor, report, and plan project work.
• Maintain equipment and meet safety standards.

Skills

Fieldwork

Carpentry/maintenance

Driver's license (manual)

Pest control

Communication

Education

Conservation/Environmental management/ecology qualification

Tools

GPS

ArcGIS Field Maps

Chainsaw

Brush cutter

Job description

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 experienceFixed term, full-time position through to June 2027 | based in Whangārei

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

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.

Tonoa inaiānei

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

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.

Shortlisting is expected to be completed by end of November with Interviews taking place beginning to mid-December. Candidates must be available for either an online or in-person interview during this period.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 22nd November 2026. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Contact

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