Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) (Fixed-Term) at Department of Conservation

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

Job summary

Department of Conservation in New Zealand's Goat Island Marine Reserve seeks a Ranger Summer – Marine (Visitor Experience Pilot) for a fixed-term, on-site role at Cape Rodney - Okakari Point. You will engage visitors, support the paid parking pilot, and promote marine protected areas while assisting Rangers and DOC staff.

The position requires outdoor work, strong communication, and a passion for conservation. Weekend and public holiday availability is essential.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Skills

Outdoor work

Public engagement

Interpersonal communication

Weekend availability

First Aid certificate

NZ driver’s licence

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Apply for Ranger (Visitor Experience Pilot) (Fixed-Term) at Department of Conservation in Warkworth, N, NZ.

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. Make waves in marine conservation this summer e njoy 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.

• 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 pūņā me ī u ŋ ŋ | 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 aha ā Ŷůģĕŋ mŏ ? | 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

The salary range for this position is $61,189 - $67,446 with 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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at

11.59pm Tuesday 15 September 2026

Me he pātai anā , whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Adam Whatton, Principal Ranger , Marine, [e-mail]