Ranger Heritage And Visitors

Join to apply for the Ranger Heritage and Visitors role at Department of Conservation (DOC)

Location : Whitianga – a beautiful part of the Coromandel Peninsula.

About the role

You will live and work in one of Aotearoa's iconic locations, managing shelters, tracks, and heritage assets to protect and restore nature across the country.

Responsibilities

Lead and support the field team in maintaining and preserving historic and visitor assets, including structures, sites, and equipment, to departmental standards.

Champion health and safety in the field, actively participating in JSAs, toolbox talks, and safety planning, while supporting and mentoring rangers to deliver work safely and confidently.

Model and reinforce best-practice behaviours, ensuring consistent standards and a positive team culture.

Coordinate and lead daily field operations, implementing the monthly work plan and contributing to its effectiveness through accurate input in BlueWorx and EAM.

Maintain conservation sites and facilities, including campsites, picnic and car park areas, toilets, and water systems, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and welcoming to visitors.

Construct and maintain tracks and structures to departmental specifications, applying sound practical and technical skills.

Operate, oversee, and maintain field equipment such as chainsaws, scrub-bars, backpack sprayers, diggers, and other light machinery safely and efficiently; formal training is provided, but relevant experience—especially with chainsaws—is essential.

Plan and organise field work, including logistics, resource preparation, and data entry to support reporting and future planning.

Manage and maintain workshop facilities and tools (e.g., NL Workshop) to ensure readiness, safety, and proper use.

Apply conservation law and compliance principles appropriately during field operations and visitor interactions.

Contribute to regional heritage and visitor work as required, supporting wider team goals and regional priorities.

Part of this role requires occasional living and working for up to five days in remote locations.

Work outside of normal working hours may also be required.

Skills and experience

We are looking for someone who has a positive, "can do" attitude and is a total team player.

You will enjoy working outdoors, making a hands-on difference in the landscape of our back- and front-country facilities, possess practical field skills, and be fit and strong enough to undertake a physical job.

A love of the outdoors and a strong practical approach to problems.

Sound communication skills, oral and written.

A genuine interest in the Department's management of Aotearoa's natural and cultural heritage, and an enthusiasm for engaging others in conservation.

A full NZ driver's licence, class 1.

Computer and technology savvy.

Desirable attributes

A current outdoor first aid certificate.

A class 2 NZ driver's licence.

Experience leading, planning and implementing back-country field operations.

Boat skipper, willing to undergo training and experience.

Tracks and rollers licence, experience with tractors, diggers, etc.

Licensed building practitioner.

NZQA rural or urban firefighting experience.

Experience working with and supporting community conservation groups.

Knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Maori and Te Ao Maori and / or experience working with mana whenua.

Conservation law compliance experience.

What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.

We're working toward being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

You can learn more about what we offer here.

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.

Our salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981, with the starting salary of the successful applicant based on relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory, including holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Applications close

Applications close at 11 : 59 pm on Sunday, 23 November

Contact

For further enquiries, please contact Matt Flynn, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor, at

Senior level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Other

Industries

Government Administration

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