Website Department of Conservation
- Join a team dedicated to maintaining and improving our unique biodiversity, recreation and historic places for our community and visitors to enjoy!
- Flexible work arrangements: 4-day working week options
- Salary ranges from $60,703 to $66,911 depending on skills and experience
- Permanent full-time role | based in Pureora or Te Kuiti with shared accommodation available
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
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and passionate Ranger to join our dedicated Maniapoto Operations team.
In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering meaningful conservation work across both front-country and remote backcountry locations. From protecting native species and maintaining tracks and facilities, to engaging with local communities and visitors, your work will help preserve and enhance the natural heritage of the Maniapoto district.
We’re looking for someone who is practical, adaptable, and solutions-focused — someone who can think on their feet and remain calm under pressure. You’ll need to be physically fit and comfortable working in rugged outdoor environments, often in varying weather conditions.
If you enjoy hands-on work, value conservation, and are eager to contribute to a team committed to protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique environment, then this could be the perfect role for you.
The position will be focussed on:
- Perform basic repairs and maintenance in both front and back country
- Biodiversity initiatives: trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders and internal staff
- Participating in team safety briefings and taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of your teammates every day
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We’re looking for someone with excellent communication skills who can collaborate effectively with others and also work confidently on their own.
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Off track navigation and GPS skills.
- Embrace Tikanga Māori cultural perspectives and values.
- Practice skills to perform basic repairs and maintenance.
- Contribute to conservation initiatives, including pest control and habitat restoration.
- Ensure facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.
- High fitness level with backcountry experience.
- Predator and weed control experience.
- A commitment to practicing good Health and Safety processes when delivering our work.
- Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments using initiative and task prioritisation.
- Strong health and safety focus.
- Tech savvy skills with ability to learn new systems.
- Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WDS, LUV
- Ability and flexibility to occasionally stay away for up to a week – approximately every 2 months (busier in Summer – Fauna monitoring!).
- First Aid Certificate
We are passionate about developing our people and will provide qualification training for specialised skills where required.
Mō te tīma | About the team
When you join us, you are stepping into a supportive and collaborative team who value their staff and foster personal development and growth. The operational team is led by the Operations Manager and consists of the Heritage and Visitors, Biodiversity, and Community teams. Our work culture is positive, promoting cross-team cooperation for essential tasks. Get ready for a rewarding journey within a welcoming environment.
We offer:
- Engaging conservation work: Species recovery and pest control programs
- Flexible work arrangements: 4-day working week options
- Strong team culture: Daily quizzes, regular check-ins, and dedicated Health & Safety Reps, Health Safety & well-being support
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 Thursday 9 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 Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor at hbarlow@doc.govt.nz
