Ranger, Biodiversity – Department of Conservation – Kāpiti Wellington

• Make a key difference for conservation outcomes in New Zealand
• Bring your technical skills to this hands-on biodiversity role
• Permanent, full-time role based in Kāpiti Wellington (Porirua)

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

Our Kāpiti Wellington Operations Team is on the lookout for the next Biodiversity Ranger to join our waka and manage, or contribute to, several work programmes across the district. The mahi is varied – every day is different!

Your day-to-day work will take you across the district, carrying out biodiversity work programmes on and off public conservation land, according to work plans.

Your skills and experience in natural heritage work will be of great help to others and your work will include teaching, coaching, supporting and/or overseeing Rangers, community groups and volunteers doing conservation work in the field.

The position will focus on:

• Managing pest plant surveillance and control programmes in the district and three offshore predator free islands
• Survey, data collection and reporting on rare native plants, fresh water, and assessing pest plant infestations and other biodiversity related task
• Field-based delivery of pest plant control in remote areas
• Overseeing contract management, planning, reporting duties, and directing the work of other Rangers
• Building and enhancing relationships; iwi, hapū and whānau, contractors, internal stakeholders, volunteer groups and other members of the community. You will enjoy working closely with others to achieve great biodiversity outcomes
• Regular opportunities to contribute to and support the work and innovation of other teams delivering Community, and Heritage and Visitor projects.

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Kāpiti Wellington (Porirua). The role offers a balanced mix of office and field-based work. Field trips typically last for up to 10 days at a time and can total up to three months away from home over the course of the year.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We’re looking for someone who is self-motivated and mentally agile. You will enjoy working outdoors on the whenua as well as in the office. You will have an appreciation that conservation outcomes are a long-term goal with changes to the environment happening over time.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Qualification in ecology, biological sciences, conservation, or equivalent
• Sound plant identification skills – both introduced and native plants
• Knowledge and experience in delivery of pest plant control
• Be physically fit and willing and able to work in difficult environments, and often alone, in all weather conditions
• Highly self-motivated with good attention to detail and high professional standards
• Strong Health and Safety understanding and practices, and a willingness to contribute to a safety-first work environment and positive safety culture
• Have a positive attitude, and is willing and able to adapt and problem solve
• Off-track navigation, GPS skills and experience in the use of GIS systems
• Experience managing staff or contractors
• Good planning, coordination and organisation skills, with confidence in report and contract writing
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori principles and strong commitment to being an honourable Treaty partner
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence

Desirable:

• Experience with threatened species management
• Current Growsafe certification
• Basic chainsaw certification
• 4WD certification
• Current First Aid Certificate

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 Monday, 27 October 2025.

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 Dave Allen, Programme Lead Natural Capital, at dallen@doc.govt.nz