Ranger, Western South Island Region

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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua.

Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Ranger, you will be part of the Heritage and Visitor team who are dedicated to undertake hut and track maintenance as well protection and restoration of historic sites. In this role, the primary focus is maintaining the Paparoa track. It is a physically demanding job with lots of walking and hard work, but you will be rewarded by having a National Park as your working environment! In this role, your day-to-day work will mostly be field based where you will be involved in :

• Contributing to assigned project work related to Heritage sites and surrounding infrastructure for visitors
• Maintaining tracks, huts, bridges, amenities and other structures
• Workshop maintenance and upkeep of tools & equipment
• Construction / building work when required
• Office work including data entry, planning and organising field trips.

The role may involve living and working in the backcountry for up to a week at a time.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking a practical and enthusiastic team player to join our team. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you :

• Valid driver's licence, ideally with the ability to drive a manual.
• Ability to ride a Mountain Bike on a Grade 4 Track.
• Has good motorcycle off track skills.
• Tech savvy skills and drive to learn new systems, including the ability to use computer databases and information systems.
• A positive can-do attitude and excellent communications skills.
• An ability to work independently, use your initiative and be a team player.
• Physically fit with backcountry experience.
• A current First Aid certificate.
• Strong health and safety focus.

Desirable :

• Hands on carpentry / construction skills and experience.
• Experience in maintaining facilities, tracks and structures.
• Experience and qualifications with use of chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WDS, excavators, tracked machinery and helicopters.
• A motorbike licence.
• Experience riding UBCO electric motorbikes.

Mō te tīma | About the team

You'll be joining a positive and enthusiastic team delivering conservation outcomes on the Paparoa Track and in Pike Valley. We have a strong, collaborative work culture, often working across teams to tackle priority projects. You'll be part of a supportive environment where staff are valued, and personal development and growth are encouraged.

The Paparoa Heritage & Visitor team includes three full-time staff, including the Supervisor, along with three seasonal Hut Wardens and a 6-month track Ranger. The Greymouth and Reefton Heritage & Visitor team consists of eight full-time staff, with four based at the Reefton Field Centre. Both teams work closely together on a variety of tasks.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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

Tono ināianei | 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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 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.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11 : 59pm on Monday, 30 September 2024

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries , please feel free to contact Sam Symonds, Supervisor at or +64 27 543 0145

Taupānga | Job reference : DOC / 1818717