Ranger Freshwater Pests and Migratory Fish Species at Department of Conservation, Nelson - Marlborough

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Take a central role in safeguarding the Nelson/Tasman region's unique freshwater ecosystems through hands-on fieldwork and strategic conservation planning and action.
• Work in partnership to achieve real conservation impact
  and make a tangible difference for freshwater biodiversity.
• Combine field adventure with meaningful environmental leadership
• Permanent, full-time role based in Motueka.
• The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265.

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
In this role, you will lead the planning and delivery of vital work to protect the Nelson/Tasman region's freshwater biodiversity. This includes a strong focus on migratory fish species, and freshwater pest advocacy and surveillance.

Motueka, centrally located within this biodiversity hotspot, will serve as your base, with your mahi focused on waterways in Nelson, Motueka, Golden Bay and Nelson Lakes. Some work will also occur in Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough, and elsewhere in New Zealand as well to assist the work of other freshwater rangers.

Your work will involve planning, delivering, and reporting on freshwater biodiversity programmes, including species surveys, monitoring, habitat management and 'Clean-Check-Dry' advocacy & education.

Collaboration is central to this role. You'll work closely with Councils as well as iwi, DOC colleagues, landowners, and community groups to develop and implement conservation initiatives. Strong communication and planning skills will be essential in prioritising and managing an annual work programme effectively.

Fieldwork is a component of the role, requiring travel to remote and often rugged locations. A full New Zealand driver's licence is mandatory.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We are looking for someone with a passion for conservation and the ability to inspire others to engage in conservation projects. If you have most of the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A full New Zealand driver's licence.
• A passion for applied freshwater conservation with a minimum of three years' specialist/practical expertise in freshwater species management, freshwater biosecurity and/or habitat restoration
• Ability to identify freshwater fish, molluscs and freshwater plants (native and non-native)
• Experience of threatened fish survey and monitoring methods and understanding of management requirements, especially of freshwater/riparian restoration and of remediation of fish passage
• Experience of freshwater pest surveillance methods
• Experience of doing public advocacy or education
• Experience in working in partnership with various stakeholders, the councils and iwi, hapū and whānau.
• Competence in outdoor work, with proven experience in remote backcountry environments.
• Strong planning and organisational skills for both field and office-based work
• Proficiency in MS Office, data management, and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable:

• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Experience with GIS, GPS, and other conservation-related technology.
• 4WD qualification.
• First aid certification.

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.

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 $68,878 to $87,265 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 Wednesday 11 February 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 Helen Otley, Principal Ranger Biodiversity, hotley@doc.govt.nz

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