Ranger at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Mar, 26

Salary

75981.0

Posted On

15 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Recreational Asset Maintenance, Carpentry, Building Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, Problem Solving, Health and Safety Advocacy, Field Experience, Power Equipment Use, High Fitness Level, Relationship Building, Issue Identification, Motivation, Tikanga Māori Understanding

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Do you enjoy being out in nature and doing physical mahi? Work to ensure communities can enjoy nature now and in the future 4 weeks + 3 days annual leave per year, flexible working options Permanent, full-time role based in Palmerston North with occasional regional & overnight travel 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. He angitūtanga | About the role How would you like to be part of a team looking after special places and species, in the Manawatu District,working in a mix of remote backcountry locations, locally treasured amenity areas and some of our more popular visitor sites? We are looking for a dedicated and collaborative individual to join our team. You’ll work as part of a small but mighty Operations team, working to provide safe, high-quality heritage and visitor initiatives assets amongst te Taiao. The position is focussed on: Planning, organising and completing scheduled work plans Asset maintenance and conservation management, which requires a high level of fitness and a know-how-can-do attitude Working well in a close-knit team but also be able to work alone in the field at times Being an innovative problem solver and solution finder Advocating, leading and promoting health, safety and wellbeing in everything you do. Based at our Palmerston North site workshop, you'll be willing to travel regularly and have the ability to be away from home overnight. Basic tools and onsite work vehicles are provided. Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience We are keen to hear from you if you have: Proven experience in recreational asset maintenance/management Proven experience in carpentry, building and facilities maintenance An eye for detail to ensure all our assets are constructed and maintained to a high standard. Hands on practical field experience and understanding of field delivery work. Experience in the use of power equipment, eg chainsaws, mowers, scrub cutters, electric barrows, skill saws and drop saws, etc. Ability to work in back country environments with a high level of fitness and ability to navigate off track. Ability to build and maintain good working relationships. Ability to identify and solve or escalate issues. Committed and motivated to work without constant supervision. The ability to work in true partnership with others across DOC and external stakeholders including local whānau, hapū and iwi. Full New Zealand drivers’ licence. Desirable Growsafe certificate Working at Heights certificate 4WD unit standards and experience Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori 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. Tono ināianei | 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 or provide feedback to those not shortlisted. The salary range for this position is $65,070 – $ 75,981 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. Rā whakakapi | Applications close: 11:59 pm on Monday 5 January 2026 Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries contact Kelly Hancock, khancock@doc.govt.nz Please note that we have replaced our previous recruitment system with Workday, you will need to create a new Candidate Home account when applying for new roles. The Department of Conservation is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from technical specialists to support staff and frontline rangers. Read more about Our role: About us

Responsibilities

The Ranger will be responsible for planning, organizing, and completing scheduled work plans, as well as asset maintenance and conservation management. The role requires working both in a team and independently in various outdoor environments.