Ranger

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Join a team dedicated to maintaining and improving our unique biodiversity, recreation and historic places for our community and visitors to enjoy!
• The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578
• Permanent, full-time role based in Thames from our Hauraki District Office.

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

As a member of the Hauraki Biodiversity team, you will be responsible for contributing to the implementation of our biodiversity work programmes throughout the Hauraki district. The main priority of the Ranger position will be Pest Control and Wetland Ecosystems. With numerous work programmes in place across the district, the work will be diverse.

The position will be focussed on:

• Managing and restoring wetland ecosystems
• Addressing biosecurity threats, including Myrtle Rust
• Advocating for and protecting Kauri trees, including pest management
• Restoring and managing coastal ecosystems
• Enforcing compliance with biodiversity regulations (e.g., grazing, drainage)
• Controlling invasive woody species and other general weeds
• Monitoring and safeguarding threatened species
• Responding to incidents involving marine mammals

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with a range of technical skills with a proactive attitude to bring to the team. You will be comfortable using safety and navigation equipment with suitable technical skills for collecting and recording date, GIS mapping and reporting. Ideally you have practical field delivery 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.
• Embrace Tikanga Māori cultural perspectives and values.
• Contribute to conservation initiatives, including pest control and habitat restoration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments.
• High fitness level with backcountry experience.
• Predator and weed control experience.
• A commitment to practicing good Health and Safety processes when delivering our work.
• Full New Zealand Driver's Licence.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments using initiative and task prioritisation.
• Strong health and safety focus.
• Tech savvy skills with ability to learn new systems.
• Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WDS, LUV
• 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

When you join us, you are stepping into a supportive and collaborative team who value their staff and foster personal development and growth. The operational team is led by the Operations Manager and consists of the Heritage and Visitors, Biodiversity, and Community teams. Our work culture is positive, promoting cross-team cooperation for essential tasks. Get ready for a rewarding journey within a welcoming environment.

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 Wednesday 2 July 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries contact Peter Hall, Supervisor, pmhall@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1863416