Website Department of Conservation
- Are you passionate about protecting Aotearoa’s natural ecosystems?
- Would you thrive in an exciting role with a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities?
- Permanent, full-time role based in Masterton, working across the Chatham Islands – Wairarapa District
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
As a Ranger Biodiversity, you’ll play a vital role in protecting and enhancing Aotearoa’s unique ecosystems within the Chatham Wairarapa District. This is a hands-on operational position where you will:
- Lead biodiversity projects – scope, plan, and deliver work packages while ensuring accurate record-keeping and sound budget management.
- Collaborate and connect – work closely with community groups, local councils, iwi, and partners such as the New Zealand Defence Force to achieve shared conservation outcomes.
- Apply practical skills – from plant identification and weed control to threatened species management, and everything else in between you’ll bring your expertise to the field.
- Champion adaptability – thrive in diverse environments, including Masterton and the Chatham Islands, and respond effectively to changing priorities.
- Grow and develop – access training for specialist skills, cultural capability programmes, and career development opportunities.
This role is perfect for someone who is resourceful, resilient, and passionate about conservation, with strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills. You’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, cultural awareness, and making a real difference for nature and people.
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will be a self-starter who can adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive outlook. You will be physically fit with drive for learning and continuous improvement, coupled with the initiative and resourcefulness to research and resolve issues. You will demonstrate maturity and sound judgment in decision-making, maintaining professionalism and resilience in challenging situations.
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:
- Contractor management, financial management & budgeting skills
- Project management, prioritisation & coordination skills
- Practical field skills including plant identification, weed control and threatened plant management
- a tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in conservation biology or natural heritage management
- Adaptability and mobility – able to work both in Masterton and the Chatham Islands as needed
- Excellent communication & relationship management skills
- Experience working with external stakeholders & iwi
- comfortable with leading teams, both staff and volunteers
- Class 1 or above NZ Driver’s License
Desirable:
- GIS skills – for mapping and spatial analysis
- Conservation law and enforcement experience
- Four-wheel drive and Light Utility vehicle (LUV) unit standards
- Growsafe Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Trailer experience
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 25th January
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 Nikki Gasson, ngasson@doc.govt.nz
