Ranger Biodiversity

Overview

Are you someone who is driven and passionate about preserving the native flora of New Zealand?

Combine hands-on conservation work with team leadership and project coordination.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity based in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland CBD.

Salary ranges from $65,070 to $75,981 depending on skills and experience.

Our vision : Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa.

When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa.

He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mo te turanga | About the role

Are you passionate about biosecurity and biodiversity?

Do you want to help safeguard some of Aotearoa's most treasured island ecosystems?

We're looking for a motivated and experienced Ranger Biodiversity to lead critical biosecurity work across the Hauraki Gulf including Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, Motutapu and Hauturu.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in protecting pest-free islands and supporting ecological restoration in one of the most iconic marine areas of New Zealand.

Based in our Auckland CBD office and reporting to the Principal Ranger – Southern Islands, you will :

Lead and coordinate biosecurity initiatives across the Inner Islands District

Manage and improve our biosecurity surveillance network, including helping implement a new camera monitoring system

Respond to pest animal incursions, leading rapid response efforts

Support and collaborate with island-based rangers

Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners including Auckland Council and pest-free operators

Contribute to the ongoing protection of native species and habitats across the Gulf

Click here for the Role Description

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you'll bring a strong mix of technical expertise, practical field skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across agencies and communities.

You'll be confident navigating both office-based planning and on-the-ground action, with a clear focus on protecting island biodiversity through robust biosecurity systems.

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

Proven biosecurity experience and knowledge of pest management systems

Experience with surveillance tools, such as traps and monitoring devices

Strong field skills, especially in pest animal detection and control

Confidence working both independently and collaboratively across a dispersed team

A track record of excellent relationship management, especially with communities, volunteers, statutory bodies, iwi, hapu and whanau

Proven experience mentoring and coaching others

Ability to communicate professionally and clearly with a range of audiences in-person and via phone and email

Ability and self-motivation to work independently in the outdoors

Familiarity using a range of office software including Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook etc.

Reasonable physical fitness and mobility

Full clean driving licence, including the ability to drive a manual vehicle

Availability for occasional evening and weekend work

Desirable :

Competent in four-wheel driving off-road

Current First Aid certificate

Familiar with local and national conservation legislation

Familiarity with how concepts in te ao Maori such as Kaitiakitanga and matauranga Maori influence conservation management

Familiarity with how Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi is upheld through work in the public service, and a general commitment to upholding the values of Te Tiriti / the Treaty

While primarily office-based, this role offers opportunities to get out into the field and work hands-on across the Hauraki Gulf islands.

He aha nga painga mou?

| 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 inaianei | 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.

Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Wednesday 1st October 2025.

Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, please contact Kat Lane, Operations Manager at

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