Ranger (Seasonal)

• Passionate about conservation and the unique wildlife of Aotearoa?
• Contribute directly to kakī recovery in a hands‑on seasonal role.
• Full‑time, fixed‑term role based in Twizel- from late July to mid December 2026

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

Mō te tūranga | About the role

This position is an integral part of the kakī recovery team over the busy summer period, with a preferred start date of 27 July 2026. You will work closely with the Kakī Wild team leader, to ensure the annual kakī release runs smoothly over the first 6 weeks of this contract. After this the duties will switch to locating kakī pairs and nests. Eggs will be collected and delivered to the Kaki Captive Facility near Twizel, for incubation and hand rearing. You will assist in several aspects of wild kakī management, to include:

• Feeding sub adult kaki a supplementary diet for 6 weeks on a rostered system.
• Managing the site so all birds have access to supplementary feed.
• Recording band combinations of birds on site and of any wild birds that show up at the release site.
• Locating wild pairs at multiple sites across the Mackenzie Basin.
• Observing and interpreting pair behaviour to determine if they are nesting.
• Collecting eggs from the wild and delivering them safely to the Captive Facility in Twizel.
• Communicating closely with the Kaki wild team lead and Captive Facility staff.

Click here for the Role Description

Click here to read more about the Kakī recovery programme

If required, DOC rental accommodation is available at a reasonable cost for the successful applicant.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• a background or strong interest in avian species and species management
• experience with bird handling and monitoring
• basic iPad and computer skills for data entry and record keeping
• confidence using GPS and navigating off track in remote environments
• high fitness level with backcountry experience
• a full valid driver licence is essential, 4wd experience is an advantage.
• an understanding of the importance of Treaty Partnership
• a collaborative mindset and the ability to work well in a small, diverse team
• strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities
• availability for rostered work, including weekends and early starts.

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 during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $60,703 to $66,911with 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 Tuesday, 5 May.

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 Cody Thyne, Supervisor, at ***email_hidden*** or +64 27 499 5162