Summer Ranger: Backcountry & Visitor Steward

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; West Coast; On-site; NZD 62,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, Karamea, New Zealand, invites applications for a fixed-term summer role supporting Heritage and Visitor teams across iconic sites such as the Heaphy Track and Kohaihai Campsite. You will maintain tracks, huts, campsites, and visitor facilities in remote settings while developing practical conservation and recreation management skills.

The role involves managing project work, daily operations, backcountry and front-country maintenance, and engagement

Qualifications

• Must have a full driver’s licence and be able to manage remote backcountry duties.
• Experience with tracks, huts, vegetation control, or grounds maintenance is desirable.
• Strong health and safety focus and good planning/organisational skills are essential.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a small team and engage positively with visitors.

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.
• Assist with vegetation control and general asset maintenance.
• Work in remote locations, including overnight trips when required.
• Engage positively with visitors to ensure a safe outdoor experience.

Skills

Full driver's licence

Backcountry experience

Health and safety

Teamwork

Motorcycle/Outdoor equipment

Tools

Databases

Mobile applications

Job description

Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai, Karamea, New Zealand, invites applications for a fixed-term summer role supporting Heritage and Visitor teams across iconic sites such as the Heaphy Track and Kohaihai Campsite. You will maintain tracks, huts, campsites, and visitor facilities in remote settings while developing practical conservation and recreation management skills.

The role involves managing project work, daily operations, backcountry and front-country maintenance, and engagement