Ranger Biodiversity (Fixed Term)

Job description

• Are you someone who is driven and passionate about preserving the native flora and fauna of New Zealand?
  
  
• Dive into a pivotal role that integrates strategic office work with hands-on field conservation efforts
• Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981 depending on skills and experience
• Full-time, 12-month fixed-term opportunity until January 2027 | role based in the Te Rapa office in Kirikiriroa Hamilton
  

Our vision

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

About the role

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 have a passion for Aotearoa’s biodiversity and a talent for turning conservation plans into practical results on the ground?
The Waikato District seeks a Biodiversity Ranger to support and lead our biodiversity work plans.

This dynamic role primarily focuses on current and future pest control operations, collaborating closely with our whānau, hapū, iwi partners, and wider community stakeholders.

You'll also contribute to other crucial biodiversity initiatives.

The position demands adaptability to seasonal work rhythms and requires a broad skill set.
The position will be focussed on:

• Building strong working relationships with iwi, hapū, landowners, and community groups
• Leading fencing projects, engaging with partners, landowners, and community stakeholders to ensure the work aligns with shared conservation goals and land use values.
  
  
• Protecting vulnerable threatened flora, fauna, and habitats.
  
  
• Opportunity to support marine-based conservation operations, including vessel handling, navigation, and safety compliance.
  
  
• Pest control, species outcome monitoring, and forest and wetland rejuvenation via weed management and replanting.
  
  
• Carrying out planned work to high standard, on time and within budget.
  
  
• Ensuring the successful delivery of projects.
  
  
• Assisting in the delivery of animal pest control operations and weed treatment tasks.
  
  

Skills and experience

You will be someone who is keen to deliver on our conservation goals.

Your strong communication skills, both verbal and written and ability to think strategically will be important to support the work of our district.

Your experience with engaging with mana whenua or demonstrated willingness to learn and engage will be the key to your success in this role.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Practical experience in pest control, restoration ecology, or conservation fieldwork
• Strong relationship-building skills, especially with landowners, iwi and community groups
• Ability to work independently and manage field-based operations
• Project and contract management and planning skills.
  
  
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  
• A reasonable level of physical fitness and experience in the backcountry, particularly in remote and rugged terrain.
  
  
• Sensitivity and knowledge of Māori culture/tikanga and the Department's responsibilities to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi under section 4 of the Conservation Act.
  
  
• A high level of written and verbal communication.
  
  
• Familiar with good health and safety processes, plans and working safely.
  
  
• GIS mapping software knowledge would be an advantage.
  
  
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent in ecology, biology or environmental sciences would be an advantage.
  
  
• Experience in the marine space, including vessel handling would be an advantage.
  
  
• Full New Zealand Driver's Licence.
  
  

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.

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 $65,070 to $75,981 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.
Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 28 October 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
For further enquiries, please contact Aaron Lunt, Principal Ranger West Coast and Forests at

Required Skill Profession

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, And Hunting