Summer Backcountry Ranger - Karamea (Fixed-Term)

DOC; Karamea; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

DOC is seeking a Ranger for a fixed-term role in Karamea, NZ. You will help maintain tracks, huts, campsites and visitor facilities across iconic sites such as the Heaphy Track, Oparara Basin and Kohaihai Campsite.

The position runs November to May 2027, offering diverse hands-on conservation and recreation management experience in remote environments. You’ll work with a small team, adapt to varied tasks, and develop practical skills in heritage, visitor, and conservation operations while

Qualifications

• Full drivers' licence, ideally able to manoeuvre a trailer.
• Experience with track maintenance, hut maintenance, vegetation control or general grounds maintenance desirable.
• NZQA qualifications with chainsaws, weed eaters, scrub bars and 4WDs; Growsafe and First Aid are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Maintain tracks, huts, campsites and visitor infrastructure.
• Carry out day-to-day operational tasks and project work across remote sites.
• Support operations across Heaphy Track, Oparara Basin and Kohaihai Campsite.
• Engage with visitors and ensure safe outdoor experiences.

Skills

Track maintenance

Hut maintenance

Vegetation control

Grounds maintenance

Backcountry experience

Health and safety focus

Teamwork

Independent work

Planning and organising

Motorcycle operation (advantageous)

Education

NZQA qualifications for chainsaws/weed eaters/ scrub bars/ 4WDs

Growsafe certified

First Aid certificate

Tools

Chainsaws

Weed eaters

Scrub bars

4WDs

Computer databases

Mobile applications

Job description

DOC is seeking a Ranger for a fixed-term role in Karamea, NZ. You will help maintain tracks, huts, campsites and visitor facilities across iconic sites such as the Heaphy Track, Oparara Basin and Kohaihai Campsite.

The position runs November to May 2027, offering diverse hands-on conservation and recreation management experience in remote environments. You’ll work with a small team, adapt to varied tasks, and develop practical skills in heritage, visitor, and conservation operations while