Website Department of Conservation
- Live and work where the mountains meet the sea in one of Aotearoa’s most iconic coastal towns
- Work in remote, rugged backcountry with high biodiversity values
- Hands-on weed control work across the iconic Waiau Toa / Clarence River catchment
- The salary range for this position is $60,703 to $66,911
- 12-month, fixed-term role until early 2027 based in Kaikōura
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 become available for a Ranger to join the Kaikōura DOC team on a 12-month, fixed-term basis. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering weed control across the Waiau Toa / Clarence River catchment. Stretching more than 200 km through rugged backcountry—from near Lake Tennyson, through high-country stations such as Molesworth and Muzzle—the catchment is recognised for its high biodiversity values and popularity for recreation. Weed control in this area is delivered through a collaborative approach involving DOC, regional councils, other government agencies, iwi, community groups, and private landowners. A recently updated weed control strategy provides clear direction to support effective, coordinated delivery across the catchment.
You will also deliver weed control activities on the Kaikōura Peninsula, an iconic visitor site located close to the Kaikōura township, helping to protect its natural and scenic values.
In addition, there will be opportunities to contribute to other elements of the Kaikōura biodiversity work programme, including threatened plant monitoring and management.
Click here for the Role Description
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have the following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Weed control experience and familiar with best practices
- High level of fitness and physical health
- Backcountry skills and experience including GPS use
- Ability to work in a tightknit team
- Growsafe certificate
- Full New Zealand driver’s license
In addition to this, desirable skills and experience include:
- Threatened species monitoring and management
- Experience and qualifications in working with Light Utility Vehicles (LUV) and 4WD vehicles
- Chainsaw certification
- Kayak or pack-raft experience
Mō te tīma | About the team
The Kaikōura field base forms part of the wider South Marlborough District DOC team. The Kaikōura team consists of seven permanent staff working across Heritage and Visitor, Biodiversity, Community and National Teams. The Kaikōura team is supported by additional staff based in Renwick.
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 Monday 26 January 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 Pat Crowe, Principal Ranger Mixed, pcrowe@doc.govt.nz
