Ranger Biodiversity

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you passionate about protecting native wildlife and ecosystems?
• Lead wildlife response for the Tamaki Makaurau District
• Join a team making a real impact on biodiversity conservation.
• Salary ranges from $60,314 - $75,603 depending on skills and experience.
• Permanent, full-time position | based in Warkworth.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitūtanga | About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Biodiversity Ranger within the Tāmaki Makaurau Mainland team. We are looking for a dedicated and collaborative individual to join our team who feels inspired, day in day out, and connected to our united purpose: Toitū te Taiao – We Protect and Restore Nature. 

As our next Biodiversity Ranger, you will have the opportunity to work throughout Auckland's varied and extensive network of public conservation land. You'll be part of our Biodiversity team, working to protect Tāmaki Makaurau's native habitats and species.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading the response to wildlife emergencies across the district,
• Handling public enquiries related to native wildlife,
• Carrying out public education, advocacy and light compliance work around local wildlife
• Working with stakeholders including iwi, hapū and whānau,
• Working on other Biodiversity conservation projects throughout the region.

We're looking for someone who can handle it all – from our smallest native Manu (birds) to giant tohorā (whales).

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A tertiary qualification related to conservation management, ecology, or natural sciences, or 2+ years' equivalent practical experience working in any related area.
• Experience in the practical management of endangered native species, habitats, or biodiversity restoration.
• A track record of excellent relationship management, especially with communities, volunteers, statutory bodies, iwi, hapū and whānau.
• Experience in a public-facing role or handling public enquiries, either in-person or remotely, such as in a customer-service or public advocacy capacity.
• Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with a range of audiences in-person and via phone and email.
• Ability and self-motivation to work independently in the outdoors.
• Familiarity using a range of office software including Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook etc.
• Reasonable physical fitness and mobility.
• Full clean driving licence, including the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work.

Desired: 

• Competent in four-wheel driving off-road.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• CERT training, or similar experience handling challenging situations.
• Warranted Officer status, or willingness to become Warranted and carry out compliance activity
• Familiar with local and national conservation legislation.
• Working knowledge of iwi landscape in Tāmaki Makaurau.
• Familiarity with how concepts in te ao Māori such as Kaitiakitanga and mātauranga Māori influence conservation management.
• Familiarity with how Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi is upheld through work in the public service, and a general commitment to upholding the values of Te Tiriti/ the Treaty.
• Experience in, or knowledge of, safe handling techniques for wildlife such as birds, lizards, or seals.
• Experience responding to marine mammal stranding incidents, or training in marine mammal stranding response e.g. the Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medic course.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $60,314 - $75,603 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday 11 July 2025. Depending on the volume of applications we received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your applications as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact Kate Sparks, Supervisor at ksparks@doc.govt.nz

Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1855903