Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) (Fixed-Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Warkworth; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a Ranger Summer - Marine (Visitor Experience Pilot) at Goat Island Marine Reserve to support the paid parking trial and engage visitors on marine protection.

You will interact with the public, provide information on the Reserve rules, and support conservation outcomes while working with Rangers and the DOC team in a busy marine district environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and in small teams.
• Strong interpersonal and public engagement skills.
• Ability to manage challenging situations while maintaining positive relationships.
• Passion for marine conservation and protection of marine environments.
• Current First Aid certification and Full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Manage vehicle parking during peak periods.
• Monitor parking overflow onto Goat Island Road and parking behaviour.
• Interact with visitors and provide information on paid parking requirements.
• Report issues to the paid parking project team and observations.
• Carry out visual inspections of parking hardware and troubleshoot issues.
• Download weekly traffic data and report to the DOC insights team.
• Provide visitor information about the Marine Reserve rules and regulations.
• Engage with the public about marine protection and protected species.
• Report compliance issues and elevate to the warranted officer when needed.
• Assist Rangers with maintenance, advocacy and public engagement.
• Carry out other duties to support conservation outcomes.

Skills

Outdoor work

Independent

Interpersonal skills

Public engagement

Marine conservation

Weekend availability

First Aid

NZ Driver's Licence

Positive attitude

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

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

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• 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

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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

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

Rāwhakakapi| Applications close

at11.59pm Tuesday 15 September 2026

Me hepātaianō,whakapāmai| For further enquiries,

please contact Adam Whatton, Principal Ranger, Marine, [e-mail]