Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) (Fixed-Term)

DOC; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a Ranger Summer – Marine (Visitor Experience Pilot) for Goat Island Marine Reserve. You’ll engage visitors, support the paid parking pilot, and advocate for marine protected areas while working on the frontline with rangers and the DOC team.

Based at Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve, you’ll monitor parking, interact with the public, and help inform responsible visitor behaviour to protect New Zealand’s biodiversity.

Qualifications

• Ability to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions.
• Comfortable working independently and in small teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Positive, approachable attitude.
• Passion for marine conservation and protection of habitats.
• Availability to work all weekends and public holidays.
• First Aid certification is preferred or required.

Responsibilities

• Manage vehicle parking during peak periods.
• Interact with visitors and provide information on paid parking.
• Report issues to the paid parking project team and observations.
• Complete visual inspections of paid parking hardware (solar, battery, signage, kiosks).
• Download traffic data weekly and report to DOC insights team.
• Provide visitor information about the Marine Reserve and its rules.
• Engage with the public about marine protection and species.
• Carry out other duties to support conservation outcomes.

Skills

Outdoor work

Public engagement

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Public safety awareness

Education

Current First Aid certificate

Full New Zealand driver’s licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 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
• Positive, approachable attitude
• 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

He ahangāpāingamōu? |What’sin it for you?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’Tonoainaiānei

We’reunable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicantsnot shortlisted.If yourequireany accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this positionis$61,189 - $67,446withthe starting salary of the successful applicant based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in NewZealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Applications closeat11.59pm Tuesday 15September2026

For further enquiries, please contactAdam Whatton, Principal Ranger, Marine, [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.