Ranger (Fixed-Term) at Department of Conservation, Canterbury
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Be part of a tight-knit, passionate team living and working in a remote alpine community
- Live where others come to explore, surrounded by glaciers, peaks, and incredible natural beauty
- The salary range for this position is $60,703 to $66,911
- 18 month full-time, fixed term role based in Aoraki Mt Cook with accommodation available
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.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
This role is part of the Heritage & Visitor team and focuses on delivering high-quality experiences for all visitors. You'll help keep campgrounds and facilities clean, safe, and welcoming, provide friendly and accurate visitor information, and support day-to-day operations. The position follows a rotating 5-days-on, 2-days-off roster including weekend work.
The position will be focused on:
- Maintaining clean, safe, and well-presented campgrounds, shelters, toilets, and other visitor facilities
- Providing friendly, knowledgeable support to visitors, including safety advice, local information, weather updates, and conservation messaging
- Carrying out campsite compliance checks, assisting with bookings, and managing cash handling and EFTPOS transactions
- Communicating regularly with hut wardens and field staff to support the smooth management of tracks, huts, and recreational facilities
- Identifying and reporting maintenance needs, track issues, and health & safety risks to ensure visitor and staff safety
- Following all Heritage & Visitor procedures, systems, and operational standards
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- High level of fitness and backcountry experience
- A commitment to practicing good Health and Safety processes
- Field skills: scrub-barring, track work, trapping, monitoring, pest/weed control
- Basic solar, septic, and water system maintenance
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
- Tech-savvy and quick to learn new systems
- Able to work independently, in teams, and in isolated environments
- Embrace Tikanga Māori cultural perspectives and values
- Full NZ Driver Licence and ability to drive manual
Desirable
- Experience/qualifications: chainsaws, scrub bars, LUVs
- Current First Aid certificate
- Competent with power tools and equipment
- Self-motivated with minimal supervision
Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.
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.
We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi 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 $60,703 to $66,911 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 Tuesday 9 December 2025.
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 Dave Dittmer, Principal Ranger Visitor Experience, ddittmer@doc.govt.nz
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Dave Dittmer, Principal Ranger Visitor Experience, ddittmer@doc.govt.nz
.
Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details
| Employer: | Department of Conservation |
| Location: | Canterbury |
| Position type: | Fixed Term Contract |
| Category: | Science and Environment |
| Date listed: | 25-Nov-2025 |
| Salary range: | |
| Closing date: | 10-Dec-2025 |
| Reference: | JR101058_1764038910 |
| Attachment: | No File Attached |
| File links: | |
| Website: | http://www.doc.govt.nz/ |
Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.
