- Work in a specialised monitoring programme
- Salary $60,314 - $75,603, flexible location
- Multiple 6 month, fixed term opportunities available
- Join an awesome team carrying out rewarding mahi
- Locations available - Palmerston North, Rotorua, Te Anau, Christchurch, Invercargill & Hokitika
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
The Monitoring Operations Team is currently seeking conservation enthusiasts to join their team and perform biodiversity monitoring mahi throughout New Zealand. We are looking for people to join the team on a fixed-term basis to carry out mahi alongside our awesome tima for the season.
As a Ranger in the Monitoring Operations Team, your responsibilities will include:
- Collecting monitoring data from a diverse range of sites and projects.
- Providing office-based support for data analysis and reporting.
- Utilising your expertise to support the operational delivery of the national biodiversity monitoring programme.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
You bring strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork, helping to achieve positive outcomes for our taiao (natural world). Your passion for conservation and commitment to meaningful mahi, along with your dedication to fostering a positive, safe, diverse, and inclusive culture at Te Papa Atawhai, will be highly valued.
We are keen to hear from you if you have the following:
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven ability operating in the backcountry, communicating effectively and getting on well with others in a small team.
- Ability to interpret GIS information and produce maps (training in ArcGIS lit, advantageous)
- Physically fit and able to carry a full pack for three hours off track.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications for data capture and report writing.
- Experience or interest in working with whanau, hapu and iwi, with an understanding of Te Ao Maori.
- Able to regularly spend long periods of time (up to two weeks) away from home.
- A current full New Zealand Driver Licence.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Experience and an interest in one or more biodiversity areas.
- Skills or experience managing threatened plant and animal populations, and planning and execution of pest control operations.
- Experience in other forms of monitoring
- Experienced in data collection.
- A range of biodiversity monitoring experience.
- A current First Aid Certificate.
- A tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience and achievements in science or natural heritage management.
Mo te tima | About the team
The Monitoring Operations Team is a nationally distributed group with five permanent bases across Aotearoa, New Zealand. Each base is responsible for conducting fieldwork within its designated region, primarily in support of nationally focused monitoring programmes. Fieldwork is typically carried out in small teams of two to eight members.
The main field season runs from September through March, during which staff generally work 12 to 14-days on followed by a 5 to 6-day break. During these extended field deployments, staff are often away from their home base for the duration, returning only when weather conditions make fieldwork unsafe. Outside of the peak season, field opportunities continue, though most staff revert to a standard Monday-to-Friday office schedule. This time is used to prepare for the upcoming field season and support ongoing operations.
The Monitoring Operations Team fosters a close-knit, supportive culture built around a shared passion for the outdoors and the meaningful work they undertake.
Check out some of the awesome and exciting mahi the field operations teams at Te Papa Atawhai contribute to:
https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2018/04/20/biodiversity-on-your-doorstep/
https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2017/12/24/hunting-for-native-mistletoe-this-christmas/
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.
Tonoa inaianei | Apply now
Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining us. You will be required to complete a questionnaire as part of the application process.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.
Please note that this role may close earlier than the specified date.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory - this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Ra whakakapi | Applications close Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
Me he patai ano, whakapa mai | For further enquiries, contact Rebecca Fonoti on [email protected].
Te tohutoro turanga | Job reference: DOC/1866960
