Ranger x2
Department of Conservation
Live and work in one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural environments – Whanganui National Park!
Salary ranges from $61,189 to $67,446 depending on skills and experience
2x Permanent, full-time positions | 1 x based in Whanganui and 1 x based in either Whanganui, Pipiriki or Taumaranui
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa
Mō te tūranga | About the role
How would you like to call the scenic Whanganui National Park your new office? Would you enjoy mahi that involves a Great Walk, beautiful heritage sites, including the Whanganui River and local treasures.
The Ranger is a crucial operational role within the close-knit team based in Whanganui. You will be contributing to meaningful mahi in both the back and front-country as you assist the Regional Operations Whanganui District team with maintaining some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s beautiful heritage sites.
The position will be focussed on:
Ensuring facilities, tracks, and signage are safe and accessible.
Track clearing and maintenance in the back and front country.
Maintaining toilets, huts, bridges, and other structures.
Biodiversity initiatives: trapping, monitoring, predator and weed control
Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and internal staff.
Participating in team safety briefings and taking responsibility for your safety and the safety of your teammates every day.
Periodic hut ranger cover on the Whanganui Journey Great Walk.
While this position is mostly field-based you will also be required to complete office-based tasks assisting the Principal Ranger with planning and organising of projects.
You will be required to often work in backcountry locations - in remote and rugged terrain. You must be flexible and available to regularly travel and to stay away from home up to 3 nights a week.
Some weekend work will be required
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
Enthusiasm and a can-do attitude with problem solving ability.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments.
Basic handy person and maintenance skills.
A commitment to practicing good Health and Safety processes.
Developed communication and interpersonal skills.
High fitness level with outdoor experience.
Embrace Tikanga Māori cultural perspectives and values.
Full New Zealand Driver's Licence.
Tech skills with ability to learn new systems.
Desirable:
Experience and/or qualifications with chainsaws, scrub bars, 4WDS, LUV
Off track navigation and GPS skills.
Understanding of conservation including predator and weed control.
Experience operating a digger, excavator, or vessel.
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.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kaimahi 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 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 $61,189 to $67,446 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being 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.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 4th June 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 Bryan Stent, Principal Ranger Biodiversity at ***email_hidden*** or Josh Kilmister, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitors at [email protected]