Ranger (Predator Control) at Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai

Warkworth, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Aug, 26

Salary

67446.0

Posted On

29 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Predator Control, Trapping, Baiting, Shooting, TrapNZ, GIS Software, Trail Camera Maintenance, Pesticide Operations, Firearms Operation, Manual Driving, Off-road Driving, First Aid, Power Tools, Kayak/Canoe Operation, Growsafe Certification, Shorebird Conservation

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Be part of a team protecting New Zealand’s rarest native bird Work outdoors in beautiful locations across Auckland and Northland Salary range: $61,189 to $67,446 depending on skills and experience Full time, permanent role based in the Mahurangi Warkworth office Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa He angitūtanga | About the role The Tara iti team are a dedicated group of Rangers who work to save the Tara iti/ New Zealand Fairy Tern from extinction. Controlling the populations of predators such as rats and mustelids is an important contribution to the survival of this taonga species, which has fewer than 45 individuals left. Your work will be crucial to the long-term recovery of the Tara iti, and this role offers a rare chance to join this team and make a difference. As our next predator control Ranger, you will be responsible for predator control including trapping, shooting and baiting throughout Auckland and Northland. Your work will focus on controlling predator species at the breeding, nesting and feeding sites of the Tara iti, as well as general program operational support. The position will be focussed on: Trapping and baiting, using both kill-traps and live-capture (leghold) traps Using TrapNZ to record and manage data Maintenance of trail camera network around predator control sites Support for firearms operations Trapline maintenance, clearing and repairs Equipment maintenance Carrying out pesticide operations Operational support for the wider team as required Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you: Working knowledge of different types of traps including DOC series, SA, legholds, including how to maintain them Experience setting up and running bait station lines with pesticides Knowledge of the ecology and biology of predator species including rodents and mustelids, with a focus on how to recognise each species and their preferred environments. Experience installing traplines Experience installing, maintaining and using trail cameras Knowledge of TrapNZ or similar GPS/ GIS software, and experience using it in the field Ability to work independently, comfortable working alone Full New Zealand drivers’ licence Ability to drive a manual vehicle Availability for occasional evening and weekend work Desirable: Current First Aid certificate Experience working in New Zealand’s back country or rural locations LUV qualification e.g. NZQA or similar Experience using power tools and hand tools 4-wheel drive qualification e.g. NZQA or similar, or experience driving off-road Experience using kayak or canoes. Growsafe certification – Basic or Standard Firearms license Geneal knowledge of and interest in shorebird conservation in New Zealand Even if you don’t tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply. Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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 and provide feedback to those not shortlisted. If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do 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 Sunday 14th 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 Kate Sparks, Principal Ranger Tara iti at ksparks@doc.govt.nz 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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC

Responsibilities

Responsible for predator control including trapping, shooting, and baiting to protect the New Zealand Fairy Tern. Tasks include maintaining traplines, managing data via TrapNZ, and supporting firearms operations across Auckland and Northland.