Ranger River Restoration

Ranger River Restoration

Department of Conservation (DOC) – Ranger River Restoration role. Location : Te Tai Kauri Kauri Coast Office, Dargaville. 0.7 FTE (part-time) , 56 hours per fortnight with flexibility.

Our Vision

Nature is thriving in Aotearoa – Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

About the role

As a Ranger, River Restoration, you’ll be part of our wider Operations team, contributing directly to our Freshwater Stretch Goal – 50 Freshwater Ecosystems Restored. In this role, you’ll apply a diverse range of conservation methods – from habitat restoration and pest control to hydrological restoration, water quality management, and securing legal protection for key areas.

This is a hands‑on field role as well as a project management position. You will coordinate work, undertake restoration activities, gather data, monitor progress, and implement practical solutions on the ground.

Your focal area is the Waipoua River; you will work outdoors, often independently, and navigate varied field conditions. This role gives you the rare opportunity to lead meaningful freshwater restoration work while building relationships with DOC colleagues, iwi partners, community groups, scientists, and local councils.

You will join a close-knit national network of River Restoration Rangers and receive ongoing support from your local district team. The position is 0.7 FTE (part-time) .

Skills and experience

We are seeking a motivated and capable project manager with field experience who can keep projects on track while contributing directly to on‑the‑ground restoration work.

• 5+ years specialist experience in practical habitat restoration or resource management, focusing on freshwater habitat restoration.
• Experience working in partnership with iwi, stakeholders, and other agencies to set clear visions, objectives, actions, and monitoring frameworks.
• Ability to identify opportunities that align with wider projects and clarify DOC’s role within them.
• Skilled in gathering or commissioning baseline data to guide restoration approaches.
• Proven experience driving action plans, via partnerships, direct field work, or managing contracted work.
• Capability to review and adapt programmes based on monitoring results and new research.
• Strong communication skills – from report writing to community engagement.
• Competence in budget management and contractor oversight.
• Comfortable working alongside technical, monitoring, partnership, and science advisors for support and guidance.

Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, we encourage you to apply.

What’s in it for you?

DOC promotes a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We work towards being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. Flexible work arrangements are supported, considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

How to apply

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Due to high volume, we cannot accept direct or emailed applications and do not provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

Provide any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process. Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – valid work visa required for full period of employment.

Applications close at 11 : 00 pm on Tuesday 25 November 2025. If the volume of applications is high, the advertisement may close early.

Additional Information

Salary range : $68,878 to $87,265 pro‑rata. Seniority level : Mid‑Senior level. Employment type : Part‑time. Job function : Other. Industries : Government Administration.

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