Website Department of Conservation
- Collaborate for real conservation outcomes: Work alongside iwi, hapū, local councils, landowners, and community groups to deliver projects that reflect strong Treaty partnerships and make a tangible difference.
- Permanent, full-time role based in Hokitika – travel required within the region.
- The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265.
Lead conservation efforts to protect the region’s unique freshwater ecosystems, including threatened galaxias species.
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
This position is part of a national network of freshwater rangers working collaboratively to address concerning trends in freshwater biodiversity. The role is a national priority, focusing on species and threats identified as critical for conservation and cultural values.
What you’ll do:
- Lead programmes for migratory fish (tuna, kanakana, īnanga, and shortjaw kōkopu) and identified key freshwater biosecurity threat species (koi carp, gambusia, rudd, hornwort).
- Work in partnership with whānau, hapū, and iwi to co-design restoration initiatives that uphold the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 and Te Mana o te Wai – National Policy Statement for Freshwater 2020.
- Plan, deliver, and report on freshwater biodiversity programmes, including species surveys, monitoring, and habitat management.
- Provide expert advice on freshwater conservation within statutory processes such as the Conservation Act and RMA.
- Undertake fieldwork across the Western South Island Region, which incorporates occasional night-time fish surveys and driving long distances
Your work will help ensure native species and freshwater places thrive from mountains to sea, supporting the health and wellbeing of communities and tangata whenua through the protection of mahinga kai and biodiversity.
Click here for the Role Description
Click here for the Freshwater Ranger Applicant Information Sheet
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- Ability to collaborate and work in partnership with various stakeholders, the regional council and iwi, hapū and whānau
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences
- Knowledge of freshwater ecology, biosecurity, and conservation legislation
- Strong planning and organisational skills for both field and office-based work
- Proven experience in designing, enabling, and facilitating programmes of work
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across diverse landscapes
- Proficiency in MS Office, data management, and reporting
- Full NZ Drivers License with the willingness to travel and work in the field, including at night.
This is your chance to make a real difference for Aotearoa’s freshwater ecosystems and cultural heritage.
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 kaimahi 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 $68,878 to $87,265 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 30 April.
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 Celine Stokowski, Principal Ranger Community and Regional Biodiversity at cstokowski@doc.govt.nz
