Ranger Marine Protection at Department of Conservation, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting our coastal ecosystems?
• Are you a skilled and experienced diver with a Scientific COC, and experience in skippering, marine compliance or advocacy?
• Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
• Salary ranges from $68,878 to $87,265 depending on skills and experience
• Permanent, full-time position | Based in Warkworth. Operating days: Wednesday to Sunday year-round

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

Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand's first marine park and only national park of the sea. Covering 1.4 million hectares, it's more than 20 times the size of Lake Taupō and includes the Waitematā Harbour, Gulf Islands, Firth of Thames, and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Renowned as the seabird capital of the world and a vital whale superhighway, this marine park is intensively used and located right on the doorstep of our most populated city.
Find out more: https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/revitalising-the-gulf/new-marine-protections-in-the-hauraki-gulf/

The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act established 19 new marine protection areas to enhance the Gulf's marine health, along with 6 existing marine reserves. This bespoke legislation is the biggest marine protection in a generation and is part of the broader Revitalising the Gulf programme.

Mō te tūranga | About the role
As a Marine Protection Ranger, your year is divided between two 'seasons'. October to April has a strong focus on compliance and advocacy, while April to October has a strong focus on biodiversity monitoring. You will have a current scientific diving qualification and experience undertaking various scientific methods. Experience boating and skippering will be advantageous year-round. You will be committed and excited to undertake compliance and advocacy. You will have a passion and an understanding of the marine environment.

The position will be focussed on:

• Conducting scientific surveys, assist with ecological assessments, and contribute to biodiversity monitoring eg. BRUV, BUV, transects, deep reef surveys etc.
• Ensuring compliance with marine protection laws through patrols, inspections, and engagement.
• Collaborating with treaty partners, local communities, and marine users to promote sustainable practices.
• Responding to environmental incidents, support emergency operations, and assist in compliance investigations.
• Maintaining accurate records, prepare high-quality reports, and issue infringements or documentation for prosecution.

These roles require travel, so flexibility is essential to work away from home for several days when needed. Rosters operate from Wednesday to Sunday year-round, with potential flexibility between June and September.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
Key interpersonal skills we're looking for include:

• Effective communication: Able to effectively convey complex regulations and policies around marine reserve operations, including operating radio effectively
• Cultural awareness and ethical decision making: Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and traditions to foster respect and cooperation.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle changing environments and weather while maintaining safety and clear communication. Willingness to work weekends and public holidays.
• Excellent paperwork skills: Ability to write complex compliance reports and effectively relay information
• Problem solving & situational awareness: Quick, safe resolution of issues and awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents and mitigate risks.
• Leadership: Decision-making under pressure to ensure crew safety and smooth team operations.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Scientific Diving certification and experience
• Advocacy & Compliance: Experience in compliance or advocacy roles.
• Tertiary Qualification in marine science, environmental science, or related field.
• SRL (Skipper Restricted Limits) licence preferred
• Physical Fitness: Able to meet the physical demands of diving and vessel operations.
• Medically fit to perform vessel handling duties, with current medical certifications (WorkSafe) required for maritime operations
• Navigation, GPS, and chart reading.
• Marine safety protocols, including emergency and man-overboard procedures.
• Understanding of New Zealand maritime laws and compliance.
• Experience maintaining accurate operational logs and compliance documentation.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems and sustainable boating practices.
• Ability to assess and manage marine hazards and risks.
• Current Full NZ Driver License
• Ability to work away from home for several days when required

Desirable skills:

• Proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese and Te Reo is highly desirable
• Commitment to marine sustainability and Te Papa Atawhai's Kaupapa, with understanding of Māori Tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the revitalisation of the Hauraki Gulf, we want to hear from you!

Join us in making a difference for our marine environment and the communities and species that depend on it.

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 Tuesday 19th May 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 Guy Guildford, Principal Ranger at gguildford@doc.govt.nz