Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Job title: Ranger (Casual)

• Love the outdoors? Handy with practical skills? Passionate about conservation?
• Keen on a variety of biodiversity work?
• Casual biodiversity ranger role – on-call, variable hours.
• Based on Rakiura/Stewart Island.

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

Join our talented biodiversity team and contribute to critical conservation work. This role focuses on:

• Plant and animal pest species control across various ecosystems.
• Checking and maintaining predator trap networks.
• Infrastructure maintenance.
• Supporting the Southern New Zealand Dotterel programme.

You'll work in remote locations alongside a dedicated team, travelling to field sites by small boat, helicopter, or on foot. This role will have a variety of field work ranging from day trips to Ulva Island to 10-day field trips to remote locations such as Mason Bay or Table Hill. You will get to see many amazing places around Rakiura and contribute to the health of the ecosystem everywhere you go.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

This casual position is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of biodiversity work. We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• A valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of fieldwork and interest in conservation.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a small team.
• A high level of fitness with backcountry experience, including the ability to navigate steep off-trail terrain.
• Good computer skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• A strong focus on health and safety.
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours (overnight trips and weekends if required).

Desirable (but not essential):

• Practical experience in plant and animal pest species control.
• A current first aid certificate.
• Boating experience.
• NZ firearms licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team

As part of the Rakiura Operations team, you will join a tight knit crew who genuinely enjoy working with each other and are passionate about the work they do.

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

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.

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 let us know.

The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578, pro rata with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on 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.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 8th May.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Grace Tocker, Supervisor at gtocker@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1849965