Summer Ranger: Backcountry Tracks & Visitor Sites

Department of Conservation (DOC); Karamea; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a hands‑on summer team member to support heritage and visitor operations in Karamea. You’ll help maintain Heaphy Track, Oparara Basin, Kohaihai Campsite and other sites, with a mix of backcountry and front-country duties.

Role focuses on maintenance of tracks, huts, campsites and visitor facilities, plus vegetation control and asset upkeep. Remote locations involve overnight trips; a strong safety mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Full drivers' licence required.
• Experience with track maintenance or backcountry maintenance is desirable.
• NZQA qualifications with use of chainsaws, weed eaters, scrub bars and 4WDs are advantageous.
• Strong health and safety focus and good physical fitness.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned project work and day-to-day operational tasks.
• Maintain backcountry and front-country tracks and visitor infrastructure.
• Carry out hut, campsite, and amenity maintenance and cleaning.
• Support conservation and heritage work programmes as required.
• Engage positively with visitors to provide a safe outdoor experience.
• Work in remote locations including overnight or multi-day trips.

Skills

Full driver’s licence

Track maintenance

Vegetation control

Chainsaws/weed eaters scrub bars

Backcountry operations

First Aid certificate

Education

NZQA qualifications with chainsaws/weed eaters/4WDs

Tools

4WDs

Job description

Department of Conservation (DOC) seeks a hands‑on summer team member to support heritage and visitor operations in Karamea. You’ll help maintain Heaphy Track, Oparara Basin, Kohaihai Campsite and other sites, with a mix of backcountry and front-country duties.

Role focuses on maintenance of tracks, huts, campsites and visitor facilities, plus vegetation control and asset upkeep. Remote locations involve overnight trips; a strong safety mindset is essential.