Waiwhakareke Ranger - Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance (Unimed)

Annual health checks and flu vaccines

Additional annual leave option

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a Waiwhakareke Ranger to help shape the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park and support restoration across Hamilton Zoo.

You will work in the field on native planting, invasive weed control, habitat enhancement, and wildlife monitoring, collaborating with volunteers, researchers, and conservation partners to protect New Zealand's biodiversity.

Qualifications

• Passion for conservation and practical environmental work.
• Experience or willingness to do field-based biodiversity work.
• Knowledge of native flora, restoration and biodiversity management.
• Current Full NZ Driver Licence and certification in agrichemical application (Growsafe).
• Experience operating restoration machinery and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Work in the field on native restoration planting and habitat enhancement.
• Manage invasive weed species and monitor wildlife.
• Support restoration projects at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park and Hamilton Zoo.
• Collaborate with volunteers, researchers and conservation partners.

Skills

Conservation passion

Outdoor work

Strong communication

Collaborative approach

Physically fit

Education

National Certificate in Amenity Horticulture Level 4

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

ATVs

Mowers

Restoration tools

Job description

• Full-time
• Group: Destinations

Company Description

At Hamilton City Council, our people are united by a shared purpose: to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians. As one of New Zealand's largest city councils, we're proud to serve a growing and vibrant community while delivering services and projects that improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians every day.

You'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and community impact. Together, we're on track to being one of New Zealand's leading community-focused councils, where everyone matters and every contribution helps shape the future of our city.

If you're looking for meaningful work, a supportive team, and the opportunity to make a real difference in your community, you'll find it here.

Hamilton Zoo at Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct is a Zoo and Aquarium Associate Australasia (ZAA) accredited and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) member zoo. Owned and operated by Hamilton City Council we are set in 35 hectares of tranquil surroundings and are home to more than 500 native and exotic animals.

Are you passionate about conservation, native biodiversity, and restoring natural environments for future generations?

We have a unique opportunity for a Waiwhakareke Ranger to join our dedicated team working within the Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, helping shape the future of the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, one of New Zealand's largest inland ecological restoration projects. You'll also support restoration activities across Hamilton Zoo and the Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct.

This is a hands on role where no two days are the same. You'll be out in the field contributing to biodiversity outcomes through native restoration planting, invasive species management, habitat enhancement, wildlife monitoring, and park maintenance working alongside volunteers, researchers, and conservation partners to support projects that help restore the unique ecosystems of the Hamilton Basin.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We're seeking someone who is as passionate about conservation as they are about rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into practical environmental work.

You'll ideally bring:

• A National Certificate in Amenity Horticulture Level 4 or equivalent
• Knowledge of native plants, ecological restoration, and biodiversity management
• Understanding of invasive weed species and weed control practices
• A current Full NZ Driver Licence
• A current Growsafe Certificate and experience applying agrichemicals
• Experience operating machinery and equipment such as chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, mowers, and restoration tools
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A collaborative, proactive approach and a genuine passion for conservation

This role is for you if:

• Love working outdoors in all conditions
• Are physically fit and capable of working in challenging terrain
• Have a passion for New Zealand's native flora and fauna
• Enjoy problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Take pride in delivering high-quality work
• Want to contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa NZD 65K dependent on skills and experience.

We invest in our people, their wellbeing, and their future. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work.

• We support flexible ways of working that balance individual wellbeing, team and business needs. And great outcomes for our community.
• We support professional development and opportunities to grow your career.
• Two wellbeing days each year to focus on what matters most to you (after one year of service).
• Fully funded Unimed health insurance, including hospital and surgical cover, with discounted rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccinations.
• The option to purchase additional annual leave for greater flexibility.
• Eye care support, including reimbursement towards eye testing and prescription glasses.
• Access to a wide range of local discounts, including gyms, healthcare providers, retail stores, and more.

Applications close on 29 October 2026

Note: We will be shortlistingas we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.