Ranger Biodiversity

Are you passionate about protecting native wildlife and ecosystems?

Join a team making a real impact on biodiversity conservation.

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

Permanent, full-time position | based in Warkworth Auckland.

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

An exciting opportunity has become available for a Ranger Biodiversity to join the Tara iti / New Zealand Fairy Tern team, with a focus on predator control across Auckland and Northland. We are looking for a dedicated and motivated individual to join our team who feels inspired, day in day out and connected to our united purpose : Toitū te Taiao.

As our next predator control Ranger, you will be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating predator control operations throughout Auckland and Northland. Your work will focus on controlling predator species at the breeding, nesting and feeding sites of the New Zealand Fairy Tern / Tara iti, New Zealand’s most endangered native bird.

The Tara iti team are a dedicated group of Rangers who work to save the Tara iti from extinction. Controlling the populations of predators such as rats and mustelids is an important contribution to the survival of this taonga species, which has fewer than 40 individuals left. Your work will be crucial to the long‑term recovery of the Tara iti, and this role offers a rare chance to join this team and make a difference.

In this role, you will be the Team Lead for predator control and be responsible for implementing best‑practice in controlling populations of species including rodents, mustelids and feral cats. You will contribute to and lead the implementation of predator control plans across multiple sites. Your work will be detail‑oriented but part of a larger picture of species recovery.

This is a full‑time, permanent position based in our Mahurangi / Warkworth office.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

Experience carrying out predator control operations including trapping, baiting, and poisoning, with a focus on implementing best practice.

Working knowledge of different types of traps including DOC series, SA and legholds, including how to maintain them.

Experience setting up and running bait station lines with pesticides.

Knowledge of the ecology and biology of predator species including rats and mustelids, with a focus on how to recognise each species and their preferred environments.

Experience planning predator control operations, including contributing to and interpreting predator control operational plans.

Familiarity with TrapNZ or similar GIS applications.

Current Firearms Licence (personal firearm not required).

Willingness and ability to use a firearm for predator control, including experience shooting at night and with the use of thermal imaging technology.

Ability to work with others – training, teaching, or supporting colleagues to implement best predator control practices.

Full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Ability to drive a manual vehicle, including off‑road.

Current First Aid certificate.

Desirable :

Experience working in New Zealand’s back country.

Knowledge of the use of GPS in back country work.

Grow safe qualification.

4WD qualification e.g. NZQA, and experience 4WD in back country and coastal terrain.

Familiarity with trail camera technology.

Experience in contract management.

LUV qualification e.g. NZQA or similar.

Experience engaging with community stakeholders on conservation on predator control projects, including volunteer groups, iwi, hapū and whānau Māori, commercial trappers and corporations.

Experience using kayak or canoes.

Ability to manage large inventory e.g. of traps and bait across multiple sites.

General knowledge of and interest in the landscape of conservation in New Zealand.

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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi 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 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, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

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.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11 : 59 pm on Sunday 23rd November 2025.

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

Please contact Sol Cranna‑Smith, Principal Ranger at

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