Ranger (Fixed Term) – Department of Conservation – Te Rapa

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.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Waikato River is a significant part of New Zealand’s history and for generations sustained tangata whenua, their way of life, and their ability to meet obligations of manaakitanga (hospitality).

The Waikato-Tainui Conservation Accord recognises that Waikato-Tainui have a special relationship with the Waikato River, and we are committed in working together to ensure mana whakahaere is recognised and that mana o te awa is provided for through a five-year plan.

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai is seeking two passionate and motivated individuals to join DOC as part of this Conservation Accord plan. These ranger roles offer a unique opportunity to develop professional skills in a conservation mahi and planning, while contributing to protecting and restoring nature spaces and species across the Waikato Tainui Taiao.

The position will be focussed on :

• Hands-on experience across the Biodiversity, Heritage &Visitor and Treaty spaces
• Supporting DOC rangers on various conservation tasks and projects
• Developing skills and qualifications in Te Taiao | natural environment
• Contributing to both DOC initiatives and tribal Taiao projects

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a confident communicator and great team player who has a passion for advancing iwi involvement in conservation.

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

• Strong communication skills and an interest in gaining insight into departmental day-to-day operations.
• Understanding of and respect for tikanga Māori
• Knowledge of Te Reo Māori
• Passion for Te Taiao | the natural environment
• Willingness to engage in field work
• Professional attitude and commitment to conservation values
• A good level of physical fitness
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a team, take direction, or work independently when needed
• Strong commitment to safety protocols in the field
• A full New Zealand driver licence
• A deep respect for Te Ao Māori and tikanga, with a genuine passion for working with whānau, hapū, and iwi.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships across diverse sectors, including public and private.
• Experience working alongside community groups, volunteers, and iwi, whānau, and hapū.
• Digitally savvy with the ability to quickly learn new systems
• Emotional intelligence

Desirable :

• Registered Waikato Tainui tribal member
• Growsafe, Controlled Substance Licence, First Aid certificate
• GIS and navigation
• Experience with carpentry and facilities maintenance
• Familiarity with chainsaws, 4WD vehicles, and first aid
• Experience in monitoring and handling native species
• Understanding of field delivery work

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Tonoa inaiānei | 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 that, 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 $60,703 to $66,911, 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.

Interviews are expected to take place early December, with an anticipated start date in January 2026.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11 : 59 pm on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

Please contact Aaron Lunt, Principal Ranger West Coast and Forests at

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