Website Department of Conservation
- Diverse, hands-on field role with a mix of backcountry and coastal work
- Permanent, full-time role based at the Havelock Field Base in a stunning marine and wilderness environment
- The salary range for this position is $60,703 to $66,911
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
Whether you are an experienced field operator looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate keen to build practical experience, this role offers a wide variety of rewarding mahi. Based at the Havelock Field Base, you will contribute to the delivery of heritage and infrastructure projects that support safe, high-quality visitor experiences across the district.
This is a hands-on role that requires initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team. Your work will span field-based operations and project support, with responsibilities including:
- Maintaining backcountry and front-country tracks
- Maintaining backcountry huts, bridges, and other structures
- Supporting office-based tasks that enable effective team delivery
- Managing assigned project work and contributing to project planning
- Assisting the wider operations team as required
- Building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will enjoy practical, outdoor work and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes. You will be a self-starter with the confidence to work independently when required, while also being a reliable and collaborative team member.
We are keen to hear from candidates who have:
- A full New Zealand Driver’s licence (essential)
- A Skippers Restricted Limits (SRL) ticket (essential)
- A strong personal commitment to health and safety
- Practical skills, with some experience in carpentry, construction, or similar trade-based work
- A high level of physical fitness and the ability to work in varied terrain; backcountry experience is an advantage
- Good organisational and computer skills, with attention to detail and the ability to learn new systems quickly
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Desirable skills and experience include:
- Experience maintaining visitor facilities, tracks, huts, and other structures
- Experience using chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WD vehicles, LUVs, and working around helicopters
- A 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.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.
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 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 Wednesday 4 February 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 Terry Carran, Principal Ranger, tcarran@doc.govt.nz
