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.
How would you like to live and work in one of Aotearoa's stunning National Parks? Have a 5-minute commute, enjoy breath-taking scenery, and protect a number of important heritage sites in the district! We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our operations team based in the beautiful Nelson Lakes National Park.
The Ranger position is a crucial operational role and forms part of a close-knit team of 6 permanent Heritage and Visitor staff based at St Arnaud. In this role your day-to-day work will be primarily field based where you will be involved in:
- Maintenance and preservation of historic sites and equipment
- Participate in the Health and Safety culture of the field team through JSA and Toolboxes
- Be involved in Regional Heritage and Visitor work, especially the delivery of regional flyable vacuum sewage pumping extraction
- Maintenance of conservation campsites, picnic and car park areas, toilets and water supplies
- Assisting with the construction and maintenance of structures
- Back country track and hut maintenance
- Track construction and maintenance in high use front country areas involving the use of small machinery, chainsaw and scrub cutting equipment
- Operating chainsaws, scrub-bars, backpack sprayers, diggers, and other minor earthwork machinery. (Training given, though experience and qualifications will be valued)
- Boating activities on the main lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa
- Office work including data entry, planning and organising field trips
- Delivery of road maintenance with tractor and truck, plus involvement with contractors.
The role may involve living and working in the backcountry for up to a week at a time with access often via helicopter, boat or foot. While the normal hours will be Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm, you will occasionally be required to work weekends and some public holidays. Shared rental accommodation is available.
For more information about this role, please read the Applicant Information Sheet provided.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will have a positive, 'can do' attitude, and be a team player. You will enjoy working in the outdoors and making a hands-on difference in the landscape of our back and front country facilities. You will have practical field skills and be fit and strong enough to undertake a physical job and enjoy working in the field.
If you have the following skills or attributes, we would love to hear from you:
- A love of the outdoors and a strong practical approach to problems
- A high level of fitness and sound experience/or practical knowledge of working and leading in the backcountry
- Computer and technologically savvy, leading the team's engagement with technology especially EAM and Blueworx also using GPS and a range of apps on the DOC phone
- Sound written and oral communication skills
- A genuine interest in the Departments management of Aotearoa's natural and cultural heritage, and an enthusiasm for engaging others in conservation
- A full NZ drivers' licence (class 1 and 2 desirable)
Desired:
- Current First Aid Certificate
- Chainsaw competency and experience
- Boat skipper, be willing to undergo training and experience
- 4 x 4 driving unit standards
- NZQA Fire training and experience, ability to join the district fire team
- Building and construction skills desirable
- Proven experience working with and supporting community Conservation Groups
- Cultural competency and/or experience with working with mana whenua
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori is an advantage.
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 throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.
The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 per annum with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 August 10, 2025
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact David Seelye - dseelye@doc.govt.nz
Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1872898.
Job details