Waiwhakareke Ranger - Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Wellbeing days

Health insurance

Annual health checks

Extra annual leave

Eye care

Local discounts

Job summary

Hamilton City Council seeks a Waiwhakareke Ranger to join the Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct team. The role focuses on conserving native biodiversity and restoring natural environments for future generations.

You will be out in the field, contributing to biodiversity outcomes through native planting, invasive species management, habitat enhancement, wildlife monitoring, and park maintenance, alongside volunteers and researchers.

Qualifications

• National Certificate in Amenity Horticulture Level 4 or equivalent.
• Environmental restoration experience or relevant qualifications.
• Knowledge of native plants, ecological restoration, and biodiversity management.
• Understanding of invasive weed species and weed control practices.
• Current Full NZ Driver Licence.
• Growsafe Certificate with experience applying agrichemicals.
• Experience operating machinery and tools (chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, mowers).
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Collaborative, proactive approach and passion for conservation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to biodiversity outcomes through native restoration planting and habitat enhancement.
• Manage invasive species and support weed control efforts on site.
• Carry out wildlife monitoring and routine park maintenance tasks.
• Collaborate with volunteers, researchers, and conservation partners.
• Support restoration projects across Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park and precincts.

Skills

Native flora knowledge

Ecological restoration

Biodiversity management

Weed control practices

Driver Licence

Growsafe Cert & agrichemicals

Machinery operation (chainsaws, ATVs,

Education

NZ Level 4 Amenity Horticulture cert

Job description

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity

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


• Environmental restoration experience or relevant environmental/ecological qualifications


• 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 you:

• 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.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer

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 shortlisting as 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.