Website Department of Conservation
- Are you someone who is driven and passionate about biosecurity and biodiversity?
- Combine hands-on conservation work with team leadership and project coordination
- Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981 depending on skills and experience.
- Permanent, full-time opportunity based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland CBD
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.Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
Are you passionate about biosecurity and biodiversity? Do you want to help safeguard some of Aotearoa’s most treasured island ecosystems? We’re looking for a motivated and experienced Ranger Biodiversity to lead critical biosecurity work across the Hauraki Gulf including Tiritiri Mātangi, Rangitoto, Motutapu and Hauturu.
This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in protecting pest-free islands and supporting ecological restoration in one of the most iconic marine areas of New Zealand.
Based in our Auckland CBD office and reporting to the Principal Ranger – Southern Islands, you will:
- Lead and coordinate biosecurity initiatives across the Inner Islands District
- Manage and improve our biosecurity surveillance network, including helping implement a new camera monitoring system
- Respond to pest animal incursions, leading rapid response efforts
- Support and collaborate with island-based rangers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners including Auckland Council and pest-free operators
- Contribute to the ongoing protection of native species and habitats across the Gulf
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring a strong mix of technical expertise, practical field skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across agencies and communities. You’ll be confident navigating both office-based planning and on-the-ground action, with a clear focus on protecting island biodiversity through robust biosecurity systems.
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Proven biosecurity experience and knowledge of pest management systems
- Experience with surveillance tools, such as traps and monitoring devices
- Strong field skills, especially in pest animal detection and control
- Confidence working both independently and collaboratively across a dispersed team
- A track record of excellent relationship management, especially with communities, volunteers, statutory bodies, iwi, hapū and whānau.
- Proven experience mentoring and coaching others
- 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.
Desirable:
- Competent in four-wheel driving off-road.
- Current First Aid certificate.
- Familiar with local and national conservation legislation.
- 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.
While primarily office-based, this role offers opportunities to get out into the field and work hands-on across the Hauraki Gulf islands.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.
Tonoa inaiānei | 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 during the recruitment process, please let us know.
The salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981 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 Wednesday 1st October 2025.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Kat Lane, Operations Manager at kalane@doc.govt.nz
