Ranger Biodiversity Heritage and Visitors at Department of Conservation, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Diverse role across biodiversity, heritage, and visitor management.
• Make a real difference protecting native species and ecosystems.
• Work in some of the most iconic landscapes in the Central Plateau.
• $65,590-$76,589 depending on skills and experience.
• Permanent full-time position based in Tūrangi.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role
As a Ranger Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors, you'll be at the heart of our conservation efforts in the wider Taupō District. Based in Tūrangi, you'll take on diverse projects that span heritage, visitors, and biodiversity functions.
Your focus will include:

• Threatened Species Management - Protecting and nurturing our unique flora and fauna.
• Threat Management - Tackling animal pests, controlling weeds
• Heritage and Recreational Asset Maintenance - Ensuring our treasured sites and facilities are preserved for future generations.

Ranger, Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
Blending office and outdoor work with plenty of field opportunities. If you're passionate about the outdoors and thrive on variety, we want to hear from you! Ideal candidates will have:

• A full New Zealand Drivers Licence
• Be physically fit
• Experience and competence in the outdoors
• Technology savvy; proficiency in MS Office suite, data management and reporting
• A can-do attitude and desire to learn
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to tailor your approach to different audiences
• A strong health and safety focus and experience leading the health and safety of others
• Experience with working with iwi, community partners, landowners, and volunteers
• Data collection, data analysis and record-keeping skills.

Desirable:

• Experience with technology such as GIS and GPS
• Experience in practical conservation field delivery work (e.g. threatened species, pest plants and animals
• Experience in building/construction, fencing, engineering or protecting heritage sites
• Backcountry experience and navigation
• Willingness to stay overnight, work in remote locations
• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.

Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to submit an application.

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.
Want to know more?

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 4 November 2026
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Ian McNickle, Principal Ranger Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitor, imcnickle@doc.govt.nz

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