Kaiāwhina Taonga Ranger

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

We’re seeking two motivated individuals to join us for the kākāpō breeding season. These roles are part of the Kākāpō Expansion Project and are grounded in a Ngāi Tahu-led conservation kaupapa.

Working on Whenua Hou and Pukenui islands, you’ll work alongside DOC staff and Ngāi Tahu representatives to deliver biodiversity work plans focused on the recovery of kākāpō. Your mahi will include nest monitoring, supplementary feeding, facility maintenance, and contributing to the cultural and ecological stewardship of these special places.

The normal work pattern will consist of four weeks on the islands, followed by two weeks off. Your usual workplace will be in the field at kākāpō sites, where you will live and work with your co-workers. At times your role will require you to be office-based in Invercargill.

This is a unique opportunity to grow your conservation skills while deepening your understanding of Ngāi Tahu values, mātauranga, and tikanga in practice.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• A high level of fitness with backcountry experience and comfort working in remote environments
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships
• Ability to work away from home for extended periods and outside of normal working hours
• Strong health, safety and wellbeing focus
• Willingness to learn and support tikanga practices in the workplace.
• Experience monitoring or handling bird species
• Practical knowledge in general infrastructure maintenance
• Ability to accurately record data with strong attention to detail
• Full New Zealand driver’s licence

Desirable :

• Experience working in partnership with tangata whenua or within Kaupapa Māori frameworks
• Experience in threatened species management

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, 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.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

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

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11 : 59 pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

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 Deidre Vercoe at

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