- Be at the frontline of conservation- undertake work to protect and help recover one of New Zealand's rarest native birds, the critically endangered kakariki karaka.
- Work in remote valleys- most of the work is centred around protecting kakariki populations in the Hawdon and South Branch Hurunui Monitoring of island and sanctuary populations is caried out on an annual or bi-annual basis.
- Develop valuable hands-on skills-gain real field experience in kakariki monitoring and pest control as part of a passionate, expert team.
- Permanent seasonal role, October to June each year, based in Rangiora.
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.
Ko ta Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora ano hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.
Mo te turanga | About the role
Are you someone who loves the outdoors, has lots of practical skills and enjoys protecting threatened species? If yes, then this is the job for you.
This position operates for nine months each year from September to June. As a Ranger you will be joining our talented delivery teams carrying out critical conservation work with kakariki karaka .
The focus of this position is to carry out surveys, monitoring and nest protection and assist with trapping and baiting stations to protect Kakariki in the Hawdon, and South Branch Hurunui Valleys. In particular, the successful applicant will be required to:
- Monitor kakariki karaka populations and assist with nest protection to support ' survival and recovery efforts.
- Conduct annual field surveys to collect data on kakariki and other biodiversity indicators within the project area.
- Assist in the control and monitoring of pest species through trapping and bait stations, to reduce predator impacts.
- Maintain and service pest control infrastructure across Hawdon and South Branch Hurunui Valleys.
- Support the wider biodiversity team with habitat restoration and conservation activities as required.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for a team player, who is not afraid of hard work, and who capable of working and living for long periods in the backcountry in a small team. :
- Knowledge and experience in field delivery work
- Experience living and working in the backcountry
- Bird monitoring experience
- Experience and qualifications using Light Utility Vehicles (LUV), 4WD vehicles and other field-based equipment
- A current First Aid certificate
- A good basic knowledge of conservation
- A good level of fitness
- Good communication skills and an ability to get on with people
- A valid full driver's licence
- Experience in trapping and pest control
- A current Approved Handlers Certificate and Controlled Substance License would be an advantage
- Chainsaw qualification and experience would be an advantage
Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.
Mo te tima | About the team & the Orange-fronted parakeet/kakariki karaka programme
The successful applicant will join the Rangiora based Kakariki Karaka Team in North Canterbury, which sits in the Regional Operations Group. The team includes the Manukura , Kakariki Karaka (Operations Manager), Senior Ranger, Supervisor, and nine Rangers.
Kakariki karaka are an endemic species of parakeet that is only found in two beech forested valleys in North Canterbury (Hawdon and Hurunui South Branch), on Blumine Island (Marlborough Sounds), Brook Sanctuary (Nelson) and most recently, Anchor Island (Fiordland).
Kakariki karaka are ranked as "Nationally Critical" according to the Department's threat classification system. This is the most threatened classification and means the species needs immediate intervention to prevent extinction.
The species was thought to be extinct until a population was rediscovered in the Hurunui South Branch in the 1990s. However, this population was nearly destroyed during a double beech mast event 1999/2000, which resulted in a significant irruption of rats and mustelids. Following this catastrophic decline, management focused on establishing a captive breeding population and intensive predator control. of control tools including trapping, and ground and aerial toxin applications.
Maintaining the wild populations in North Canterbury has proven difficult, so significant effort has been invested into establishing new populations on predator free islands and sanctuaries.
The latest population estimates across all sites is approximately 480 wild birds.
He aha nga painga mou? | 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 kamahi 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 inaianei | 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 $66,587 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.
Ra whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 6 August 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 patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, contact Beth Williamson, Recruitment Advisor, bewilliamson@doc.govt.nz
Te tohutoro turanga | Job reference: DOC/1873046