Ranger Biodiversity - Kākāpō/Takahē (Fixed Term) at Department of Conservation, Southland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Contribute to the recovery of two of Aotearoa's most iconic and endangered species - Kākāpō and Takahē.
• Support exciting research projects that help inform conservation management and species recovery.
• Enjoy a unique mix of fieldwork, scientific data management, and collaborative research delivery.
• Salary Range: $65,590 - $76,589
• Fixed term/secondment role ending June 2027 based in Invercargill

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



Mō te tūranga | About the role
Our Kākāpō/Takahē team is continuing a challenging phase of expanding the number of new sites for these species over the coming years. An exciting opportunity has become available to support the research components of the conservation programmes.

Working alongside conservation practitioners and external researchers, you'll play an important role in delivering research objectives that contribute to the long-term success of Kākāpō and Takahē recovery.



In this role, you will:

• Collect, tidy and manage scientific data
• Record and organise field samples
• Help design and conduct field trials
• Assist with planning, analysis and report writing
• Support external researchers and collaborate across the wider team

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys applying science in a practical conservation setting and wants to make a meaningful contribution to protecting Aotearoa's unique biodiversity.


Click here for the Role Description



Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are keen to hear from you, if you have:

• High proficiency in electronic data management and manipulation
• The ability to help design, conduct and evaluate robust field trials
• The ability to efficiently manage, store and catalogue samples
• Excellent writing skills to effectively communicate the methodology and results of research
• The ability to work independently, to be adaptive and have good attention to detail

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 need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we'll try to accommodate.

Salary: $65,590 - $76,589, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.


Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 29 July 2026.


Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Marie Manley, Recruitment Advisor on mmanley@doc.govt.nz.