Ranger Biodiversity
About this role
Protect a nationally critical species in one of Aotearoa’s most unique environments.
Spend your days in remote back country, working where few people ever get to go.
Salary Range: $65,590 to $76,589
1 full time permanent role - Rakiura Stewart Island.
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Mō te tūranga | About the role
As Ranger Biodiversity you will be the Field Team Lead who will lead our dedicated Pukunui Recovery Project (Southern New Zealand Dotterel) field team on Rakiura. The focus for the team is predator control, primarily trapping and laying ground-based toxin to control feral cats in our effort to protect pukunui. With only 160 birds remaining this is a population on the brink of extinction and heavily reliant on predator control to survive.
You will work alone or in teams of two or three in remote locations for up to 10 days at a time, traveling to and from field sites by small boat, helicopter, or on foot.
You will support the Project Lead and Principal Ranger to ensure field work is delivered effectively and efficiently
You will be tasked with supporting a variety of work in other projects in addition to pukunui work depending on shifting priorities across the broader district work programme. From time-to-time work will include supporting hoiho conservation, pest-free island biosecurity, dune restoration, weed control, visitor infrastructure maintenance and other work as tasked.
The position will be focused on:
Leading the field team and supporting the team to complete health and safety processes
Supporting the Project Lead with logistical planning
Identifying work needs and monitoring their in-field delivery
In-field coaching of staff to ensure best practice is applied
Trapping and humanely dispatching feral cats across the Tin Range and other pukunui breeding sites
Ground-based deployment of 1080 and rodent toxins
Ground-based hunting of white-tailed deer and avian predator species
Monitoring pukunui at flocking sites and breeding sites
Infrastructure and track maintenance
Working in remote locations alone or alongside other team members or volunteers
Monitoring and recording your work progress
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If some of following apply to you, we are keen to hear from you:
Comfortable working in remote areas for up to ten days at a time, both in a team and solo
High physical fitness with proven back-country experience
Familiarity with off-track GPS navigation
Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a small team
Previous experience supporting your colleagues through on-the-job training
Experience with ground-based predator control using trapping and toxin control
A dedication to health and safety
Accurate and detailed record keeping
Desirable:
A controlled substances licence (CSL) with 1080 endorsement
Boating experience and Boat Master qualification
NZ firearms licence
Ability to drive a manual vehicle
Mō te tīma | About the team
As part of the Rakiura Operations team, you will join a tight knit crew who genuinely enjoy working with each other and are passionate about the work they do. For more information about living on Rakiura, check out our information sheet or visit http://www.stewartisland.co.nz.
Please note, private accommodation is limited; if required, we have staff accommodation available in a shared house.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?
DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.
Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now
Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.
If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
The salary range for this position is $65,590 to $76,589 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.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 14 September 2026.
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Kev Carter, Principal Ranger, at kcarter@doc.govt.nz or +6421956587
Company at a glance
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. As the government agency charged with conserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage, we are responsible for caring for the land, water and our native species.
We have team members spread throughout the country who work hard to ensure that Papatūānuku can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks, from specialists undertaking ground-breaking projects through to support staff who enable our mahi; and rangers operating at the forefront of conservation.
The work we do impacts the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and our many visitors and will have continued and far-reaching effects for generations to come. Our commitment to being an honourable Treaty Partner and collaboration with local iwi, community groups and businesses is critical to setting the foundations for future conservation success.
We support flexible working, and a transparent and collaborative culture, as well as career development and training opportunities. If you are interested in joining a team of people who love what they do, find out more about a career with the Department of Conservation.
Top Benefits
- Staff accommodation available
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