Ranger Biodiversity (Fixed term) – Department of Conservation – Whangarei or Warkworth

• Are you passionate about protecting endangered native birds?
• Join the team protecting the New Zealand Fairy Tern/ Tara iti, New Zealand’s rarest bird.
• Join a team making a real impact to save a species from extinction.
• Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981 depending on skills and experience.
• Fixed-term, full-time position through to October 2026 | based in Warkworth or Whangarei

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.

We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Biodiversity Ranger to join our Biodiversity team and work on New Zealand Fairy Tern conservation. This is a full-time fixed-term role based in our Warkworth or Whangārei offices with extensive opportunities for fieldwork across Auckland and Northland.

The position will be focused on:

• Working as part of a team to ensure the survival of the New Zealand Fairy Tern.
• Development of a long-term plan for habitat creation and management.
• Undertaking fieldwork including bird monitoring and habitat management as part of the team.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in other Biodiversity conservation projects throughout the region.

Click here for the Role Description

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, biology, ecology, or natural sciences, or 2+ years’ equivalent practical experience working in any related area.
• Experience in the practical aspects of endangered species conservation with a focus on bird conservation.
• Exceptional written communication skills including in technical, scientific, report-writing and stakeholder communication.
• Experience collecting, analysing and interpreting quantitative data, and using data to make informed decisions about species conservation.
• A track record of excellent relationship management, especially with communities, volunteers, statutory bodies, iwi, hapū and whānau.
• 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, especially in sandy conditions.
• Full, clean driver’s license and ability to drive a manual vehicle.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• General knowledge of New Zealand shorebird ecology, and good bird species identification skills.
• Familiarity 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.

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.

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 Sunday 12 April 2026.

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

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Sol Cranna-Smith – Principal Ranger Tara Iti, at scrannasmith@doc.govt.nz