Hut Warden (Fixed-term, Part-time) – Department of Conservation – Hauraki

• Are you passionate about conservation?
• Do you thrive outdoors and enjoy meeting people from all walks of life?
• Are you ready to help create unforgettable backcountry experiences? If so, this could be your next adventure.
• Salary ranges from $60,703 to $66,911 (pro-rata) depending on skills and experience
• 12-month Fixed term part-time position (every second Monday to Thursday (32 hours per fortnight) | based in Hauraki (Accommodation is provided for the duration of the shift)

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

We have an exciting opportunity for a practical, motivated and people-focused Hut Warden to join our hard-working Hauraki team in a part-time role based at the iconic Pinnacles Hut in the Kauaeranga Valley.

Working 32 hours per fortnight (every second Monday–Thursday), occasionally additional days may be offered depending on operational needs. You’ll live and work onsite, carrying out planned facilities, track and heritage maintenance while delivering excellent customer service to both overnight guests and day visitors. Reporting to the Visitor Centre Supervisor and supervised by the team at Kauaeranga Visitor Centre, you’ll be one of three Hut Wardens, working alongside two permanent wardens and a pool of casual staff.

This role involves remote living and may suit someone comfortable with solitude and a quiet, outdoors-focused lifestyle. The track receives a high number of visitors, so strong customer service skills are essential.

You must walk in and out each work week (approximately three hours each way), carrying your own food and personal gear. The successful applicant must be prepared to live onsite at the Pinnacles Hut for four consecutive days out of every fortnight. A Warden’s Hut is provided for this purpose.

The position will be focussed on:

• Maintaining backcountry sites, tracks and heritage areas
• Ensuring hut facilities and amenities are clean, safe and welcoming
• Helping visitors with information, guidance and support
• Overseeing hut bookings and visitor movements
• Identifying and managing visitor safety risks

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a responsible and reliable team player, who is not afraid of hard work, with the following skills:

• Knowledge and/or experience in field delivery work
• Experience and/or qualifications in working with generators, water pumps and other field-based equipment
• A current First Aid certificate
• Good basic knowledge of conservation
• Experience in carpentry and facilities maintenance would be an advantage
• Experience in customer service would be an advantage
• Reliability, initiative, and a positive attitude with visitors.
• Have a practical background, ‘can do’ attitude, and good physical fitness,
• Have the confidence and resourcefulness to cope with a variety of situations
• Practical problem-solving abilities.
• Experience or confidence working alone in a remote environment.
• Ability to live simply and independently during your rostered days.
• A valid full New Zealand driver’s licence

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 $60,703 to $66,911 (pro-rata) 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 Tuesday 17th March 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 Hugh Gordon, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor at hgordon@doc.govt.nz