Website Department of Conservation
- Are you experienced in biodiversity, fieldwork, and island-based projects?
- Do you want to live on an offshore island and make a difference by using your skills to protect and enhance island biodiversity, heritage, and visitor experiences?
- Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981 depending on skills and experience
- 3-year full-time island posting (option to extend for a further 2 years) based on Motutapu Island (accommodation provided)
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
Do you want to make a real difference for the island ecosystems of Aotearoa while working in a unique and inspiring environment?
Motutapu Island is one of the Hauraki Gulf’s most significant restoration success stories. Following large-scale pest eradication and native revegetation efforts, the island now supports thriving biodiversity alongside important Māori archaeological sites and WWII heritage features. Connected by causeway to Rangitoto Island and just a short journey from Auckland, Motutapu attracts thousands of visitors each year, providing a dynamic environment that combines public engagement with remote island work.
We are seeking a motivated and adaptable Ranger Biodiversity to join our small, dedicated on-island team based on Motutapu Island. While based on Motutapu, the role may involve working across the Hauraki Gulf, including Kawau Island, Motuihe Island, Motuora Island, Tiritiri Matangi Island, and Hauturu.
Reporting to the Principal Ranger, this role is vital in protecting and enhancing the island’s unique biodiversity, safeguarding its cultural and natural heritage, and delivering outstanding experiences for all visitors.
The position will be focused on:
- Lead and deliver biodiversity operations across Motutapu and other Hauraki Gulf islands
- Support biodiversity initiatives, including threatened species management – monitoring the islands tūturuatu/ shore plover, takahē and kiwi populations, supporting biosecurity surveillance and undertaking weed and pest control
- Protect and maintain natural and cultural heritage sites
- Contribute to health and safety leadership in a remote environment
- Work in partnership with iwi
- Live and work collaboratively within a small, high-performing island team
This is hands-on, practical conservation work in an isolated setting, ideal for someone resilient, physically fit, and passionate about making a tangible impact.
There will be an opportunity to spend time in the South Island at the Burwood Centre learning more about takahē and threatened species management as part of the training available for this role.
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We’re looking for someone with strong biodiversity experience and the ability to thrive in a remote island environment.
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Proven biodiversity experience
- Good level of physical fitness
- Ability to adhere to strict health, safety and well-being systems
- Field delivery skills including scrub bar use, weed spraying, and track maintenance
- Trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control experience
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Emotional intelligence and ability to work with a range of stakeholders
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong health and safety focus.
- Tech-savvy with the ability to learn new systems (including Microsoft Office)
- Ability to work in isolated environments.
- Comfortable engaging and working in partnership with iwi
- Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence with the ability to drive a manual desired
Desirable:
- Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars and driving LUVs
- Current First Aid certificate.
- Experience working with endangered or at-risk wildlife species
We are passionate about developing our people and will provide qualification training for specialised skills where required.
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.
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 2nd March 2026.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Leona White, Principal Ranger at lewhite@doc.govt.nz
