Posted 01 August, 2026
Ranger Biodiversity/Heritage and Visitors (Island)
DOC
Wellington, WGN, NZ
Full Time
Reference: 60fd1b269b3258cc
Job Description
An exciting opportunity has become available for a full-time Ranger within the Auckland Inner Islands team. Do you want to live on an offshore island and make a difference by using your skills to contribute to conservation work? Salary range: $65,590 to $76,589 depending on skills and experience. 3-year full-time island posting (option to extend for a further 2 years) based on Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa Mō te tūranga About the role Protect one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most significant conservation treasures. An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and motivated Ranger Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors to join our team based on Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island. In this unique role, you will help protect and restore one of New Zealand's most important nature reserves while providing leadership to a seasonal weed control team and supporting the management of the island's exceptional biodiversity and heritage values. Working in a remote island environment, you'll play a key role in delivering conservation outcomes through weed management, biodiversity monitoring, visitor management, and operational planning. This is a hands-on role that combines leadership, practical fieldwork, and collaboration with iwi, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the ongoing protection of this nationally significant reserve. This is a two-ranger island, both working a Monday to Friday roster. Accommodation is provided for the duration of the posting, and the ranger is expected to permanently live on the island. The position will be focused on: Lead and support a seasonal weed control team to protect the island's unique ecosystems. Delivering weed management and biodiversity programmes to maintain and enhance conservation outcomes. Monitoring biodiversity and contributing to ecological restoration initiatives. Supporting the protection of the cultural, heritage and visitor values of Te Hauturu-o-Toi. Work collaboratively with iwi, contractors, and partners to achieve conservation objectives. Ensuring safe and effective operations in a remote island environment. The role on Te Hauturu-o-Toi is suited for somebody that thrives in a remote environment, is self-motivated and is confident safely leading a team in backcountry terrain. Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience Good level of physical fitness (backcountry experience) Ability to adhere to strict health, safety and well-being systems Field delivery skills such as scrub baring and track maintenance Basic infrastructure maintenance skills (solar, septic & water) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control. Planning and organisational skills. Emotional intelligence. Tech savvy skills with ability to learn new systems. Ability to work alone and within a team; task prioritisation, initiative. Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with a range of stakeholders. Ability to work in isolated environments. Hands-on practical skillset. Comfortable engaging and working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua Full New Zealand Driver Licence with the ability to drive a manual desired Desirable: Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars and driving LUVs. Skippers licence would be desired or the willingness to obtain one. A current First Aid certificate. We are passionate about developing our people and will provide qualification training for specialised skills where required. He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you? DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default. Salary: $65,590 to $76,589, depending on skills and experience. Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment. Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 11th August. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly. Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Olivia Keane, Principal Ranger at [email protected] 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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC #J-18808-Ljbffr