Island Ranger – Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island Society – Matakohe Limestone Island, Whangārei Harbour, Northland

Fixed-term position for 3 Years
Salary range: $55,000 – $60,000 pa. + on-island accommodation, power, internet, phone and boat use
Start: September/October 2026 (training), moving to the island November 2026

Live and work on a unique island sanctuary

Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island Society (FOMLI) is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated Island Ranger to lead the day-to-day management of Matakohe Limestone Island, a 37-hectare island reserve and one of Northland’s ecological restoration success stories.

This is a rare opportunity to combine conservation, biodiversity management, community engagement, visitor education and practical land management, while living in a spectacular island environment.

About the role

As the resident Island Ranger, you will:

• Lead day-to-day island operations and restoration activities
• Undertake pest and biosecurity management
• Coordinate volunteers and support community involvement
• Monitor native wildlife and contribute to conservation programmes
• Help maintain Northland’s only kiwi crèche
• Maintain tracks, buildings, equipment and infrastructure
• Prepare reports and engage with stakeholders, visitors and partner organisations
• Support the protection of the island’s cultural, historical and ecological values.

What we’re looking for

You must have:

• A qualification and/or practical experience in conservation, ecology, environmental science or a related field
• Strong practical outdoor skills and a high level of physical fitness.

You will ideally have:

• Experience and/or knowledge of pest plant and predator control
• Experience leading volunteers, teams or field activities
• Experience managing H&S requirements
• Boat handling skills and/or strong water confidence
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Desirable experience & certifications

• Environmental education or public engagement
• Fauna monitoring and handling
• Knowledge or experience with monitoring and/or translocation programmes
• Relevant certifications such as First Aid, Boatmaster, VHF, Growsafe, Controlled Substance License or Chainsaw qualifications.

Why join us?

• Live on a predator-free island sanctuary
• Make a lasting contribution to conservation and restoration
• Work closely with volunteers, mana whenua and conservation partners
• Enjoy a unique lifestyle with accommodation and utilities provided and options for flexible work hours
• Play a key role in protecting a place of significant ecological, cultural and historical importance
• Ongoing support for professional development
• Employer kiwisaver contributions.

Additional Information

• There is the potential for a couple to job share.
• The successful applicant must be available for paid training from late September/early October 2026 and be prepared to relocate to the island in November 2026.
• All applicants must have legal working rights to live and work in New Zealand, either as NZ resident, or by having a valid NZ Work visa.

Contact Pam Stevens (FOMLI Chairperson) for further information or a copy of the job description: pamstevens.nz@gmail.com

Applications close when a suitable candidate has been recruited.