Ranger (Island)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• An exciting opportunity has become available for a full-time ranger with the Aotea / Great Barrier Island team
• Do you want to live on an offshore island and make a difference by using your skills to contribute to conservation work?
• Aotea / Great Barrier Island is a semi-remote island fringed with amazing diving, fishing and surfing. It is a hiker's dream and a mountain biker's playground
• The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 
• 3-year full-time island posting (option to extend) based on Aotea Great Barrier 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

Are you passionate about protecting New Zealand's unique biodiversity? We're looking for a dedicated and physically fit Field Ranger to join our team on Aotea, Great Barrier Island.

In this hands-on role, your key responsibilities will include predator control (particularly cat trapping), tracking tunnel monitoring, mowing, maintaining trap networks, supporting habitat restoration, and assisting with infrastructure upkeep. This is a practical, outdoor-focused position where you'll play a vital role in achieving conservation outcomes.

You'll be based full-time on Aotea during your rostered shifts – a unique opportunity to live and work in one of New Zealand's most stunning and remote natural environments.

If you're a team player who thrives in the outdoors and wants to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Off track navigation and GPS skills.
• Full New Zealand Drivers Licence (ability to drive a manual)
• High level of physical fitness.
• Ability to work in backcountry locations, often in remote and rugged terrain, occasionally staying away for up to a week.
• Trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control.
• Planning and organisational skills.
• Emotional intelligence.
• Tech savvy skills with ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to work alone and within a team; task prioritisation, initiative.
• Strong health and safety focus.
• Tech savvy skills with ability to learn new systems.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work in isolated environments.
• Hands-on practical skillset.

Desirable:

• Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WDS, LUVs, Growsafe.
• Firearms licence
• A current First Aid certificate.

We are passionate about developing our people and will provide qualification training for specialised skills where required.

Mō te tīma | About the team

Working on an offshore island is not for everyone! Here's some of the things you should know before you apply:

• The role is based on Aotea / Great Barrier Island. Commuting is not an option. Visit www.greatbarrierislandtourism.co.nz to learn more about what to expect
• Accommodation is available for rent.
• The entire island is powered by solar and water is not reticulated either. This means we are conscious with our use of electricity and water, and houses are heated by wood fires
• Connectivity: Mobile reception varies across the island. Internet and wifi is sound at the DOC office, but is not provided at the house
• Family: There are 3 primary schools on the island, and a ‘hub' for high school distance learning. It can be challenging for partners to find work on the island, or close to Okiwi, so work from home set ups are good
• Pets: A controlled and trained dog may be negotiated. Cats are not allowed. Other pets will need to be negotiated
• There is no Countdown or New World on Great Barrier Island. However, there are three small shops selling food and goods. DOC staff order food from Auckland for delivery by the DOC boat on a 3-4 weekly cycle
• Costs: things on islands often cost more and take longer. Fuel is $3.70/L offset by the distances you travel being small!
• Getting here and away: Barrier Air runs regular 30-minute plane flights between Auckland and Great Barrier. Sealink sails regularly. All services can be cancelled due to weather. The island lies approximately 100km from downtown Auckland

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 $58,816 to $66,578 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.

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

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

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 24 June 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries contact Beth Williamson, Recruitment Advisor, bewilliamson@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1863806