Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) (Fixed-Term)

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai; Mahurangi East; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai is seeking a Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) for the Goat Island Marine Reserve in New Zealand. This fixed-term, full-time role focuses on engaging visitors, promoting marine protection, and supporting a paid parking trial to better manage crowds.

You will work outdoors, interact with the public, and collaborate with rangers and staff to protect biodiversity while delivering education and guidance at Goat Island.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence engaging the public.
• Availability to work all weekends and public holidays.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Manage vehicle parking during peak periods
• Monitor parking spillover and parking behaviour
• Proactively interact with visitors and provide information on paid parking, and report issues
• Complete visual inspections of paid parking hardware and troubleshoot any issues
• Download traffic data weekly from the site and report to DOC insights team
• Provide visitor information regarding the Marine Reserve, including rules and regulations
• Engage with the public about marine protection, including marine protected areas and species
• Report compliance issues and elevate to Warranted Officer where necessary
• Assist Rangers with the maintenance of the facilities, advocacy and public engagement
• Carry out other duties as required to support conservation outcomes

Skills

Public engagement

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Outdoor work

Problem solving

Availability on weekends and publichol

Driver's license

Education

First Aid certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) (Fixed-Term)

The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai – Mahurangi, North Island

Full time

No experience required

1d ago , from The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai

Make waves in marine conservation this summer

Enjoy a unique role at the famous Goat Island Marine Reserve

Full-time fixed term position based at Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve, Goat Island

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve, commonly known as ‘Goat Island’ is a one of the most popular visitor destinations in the country for both New Zealanders and international tourists. Approximately 350,000 people visit this Marine Reserve each year.The Department of Conservation (DOC) is piloting paid car parking at this location.

This is part of a national pilot to help manage visitor numbers at locations with significant visitation pressures. By paying for parking, visitors can give back to the environment they are visiting, helping create a more sustainable model to help protect New Zealand’s precious biodiversity.

As a Ranger Summer – Marine (Visitor Experience Pilot) working in the Marine District, this role focuses on public engagement, education, and advocacy. You will support the paid parking trial while also using your skills to advocate for marine protected areas and protected species. You will be working on the frontline, interacting with visitors and local communities to encourage responsible behaviour and support compliance outcomes.

You will be mentored by a dedicated Supervisor, and work closely with Marine Community Rangers, Marine Protection Rangers and the wider DOC team.

The position will be focussed on:

Manage vehicle parking during peak periods

Monitor parking over spill onto Goat Island Road, and parking behaviour

Proactively interact with visitors and provide information on the requirements for paid parking, and report back to the paid parking project team on issues and observations

Complete visual inspections of paid parking hardware such as; solar and battery equipment, camera equipment, signage and payment kiosks and troubleshoot any issues that may arise

Download traffic data weekly from the site and report to DOC insights team

Provide visitor information regarding the Marine Reserve, including rules and regulations

Engage with the public about marine protection, including marine protected areas, and species

Report compliance issues and elevate to Warranted Officer where necessary

Assist Rangers with the maintenance of the facilities, advocacy and public engagement

Carry out other duties as required to support conservation outcomes

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

Ability to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions

Comfortable working independently and in small teams

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence engaging the public

Ability to manage challenging situations and maintain positive relationships

Passion for marine conservation, including marine protected areas and species

Competence with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook)

Availability to work all weekends and public holidays in the employment term

Current First Aid certificate

Full New Zealand driver’s licence

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone canparticipate, thrive, and grow.We’redriven by ourvaluesand behaviours,and areworking towards being an organisation that is diverse,equitable, and inclusive by default