Ranger

Are you an energetic and enthusiastic outdoor professional?

Do you care deeply about protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna?

Salary ranges from $60,703 to $66,911 depending on skills and experience

Permanent, full-time position, based in the Te Rapa office in Kirikiriroa Hamilton

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 are looking for a motivated and capable individual to join our Waikato District team, based in Hamilton.

Located in the heart of the Waikato Basin, Hamilton offers an outstanding lifestyle with easy access to rivers, forests, coastlines, and a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

You will become part of the Heritage and Visitor team, a group dedicated to managing and maintaining an extensive range of recreational assets across the Waikato District.

This role focuses on the ongoing servicing, maintenance, and improvement of visitor and heritage infrastructure, while contributing to broader conservation outcomes.

The position will be focussed on:

Inspecting and maintaining tracks, huts, bridges, stairways, campsites, and ablution facilities

Undertaking small-scale construction and building repairs

Operating chainsaws, scrub-bars, backpack sprayers, diggers, and other light earthmoving equipment (training provided)

Supporting the Biodiversity team with practical ecosystem management work

Engaging positively with visitors, volunteers, community groups, iwi, hapū, whānau, and conservation partners



Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking a responsible, reliable, and values-driven team player who enjoys practical outdoor work and brings a strong commitment to conservation and community.

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

Experience or knowledge in field-based delivery work

Predator, trapping and weed control experience.

Experience and/or qualifications operating small machinery (i.e., weed eaters, lawnmowers, chainsaws).

Strong communication skills and an interest in gaining insight into departmental day-to-day operations

Understanding of and respect for tikanga Māori, with knowledge of Te Reo Māori

Deep respect for Te Ao Māori and a genuine passion for working alongside whānau, hapū, and iwi

Passion for Te Taiao | the natural environment

Professional attitude and strong commitment to conservation values

Willingness to undertake practical field work

Good level of physical fitness and ability to carry out physically demanding tasks

High attention to detail

Ability to work effectively within a team, take direction, and work independently when required

Strong commitment to health and safety protocols in field environments

Experience working alongside community groups, volunteers, iwi, whānau, and hapū

Digitally confident, with the ability to quickly learn new systems

Full, current New Zealand driver licence

Desirable:

Growsafe, Controlled Substance Licence, First Aid certificate

Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) Unit Standards.

Familiarity with chainsaws, 4WD vehicles, and first aid

Experience in monitoring and handling native species

GIS and navigation experience

Experience in carpentry and facilities maintenance

If you bring a practical mindset, a “can-do” attitude, and a genuine commitment to conservation and community, we would welcome your application.

We are passionate about developing our people and will provide qualification training for specialised skills where required.

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.

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.


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 Thursday 5th March 2026.

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 Aaron Lunt, Principal Ranger West Coast and Forests at alunt@doc.govt.nz