Do you have a passion for conservation and feel inspired by our shared purpose and values?Does the idea of working across a diverse landscape including mountains, bush and rivers appeal to you?If so, the beautiful Tongariro District is calling you.
Salary: $60,703 to $66,911, depending on skills and experience Permanent, full-time role based in Whakapapa (accommodation can be provided)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 How would you like to work in Aotearoa New Zealand's oldest and most iconic National Park, within a dual-status World Heritage area? Join Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation and help deliver conservation outcomes across Tongariro National Park and District.
As a Ranger you will play a vital operational role in our close-knit Tongariro District Team.
You'll maintain and enhance recreation facilities at both front-country and back-country sites, including walking tracks, structures, camping areas, and accommodation sites.
You may also support Biodiversity and Community teams with pest control and community conservation projects.
Your day-to-day work will be field-based but will include some office work to support the field work and team.
The role involves regular work which requires overnight trips to backcountry locations of between 2 to 5 days long per trip or as required to fulfil the busy maintenance program.
Some of these trips are planned and some are at short notice.
When working on any overnight trips extra allowances are paid.
The position will be focussed on: Maintaining and enhancing visitor facilities and recreation infrastructure across Tongariro National Park Supporting community and biodiversity initiatives, including pest control and conservation projects Ensuring visitor safety and promoting positive experiences through excellent communication and on-site engagement We are passionate about developing our people, and will provide qualification training for specialised skills, including working at heights, chainsaw operation, helicopter safety, 4 WD operation, and digger operation.
Accommodation may be available for this role, depending on requirements.
Click here for the Role Description Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience We are seeking a responsible, reliable, and values-driven team player who enjoys practical outdoor work and brings a strong commitment to conservation and community.
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you: Ability to initiate continuous improvements at sites and facilities Drive, initiative and resourceful to independently research and resolve issues Flexibility and adaptability to manage changing priorities at short notice Self-motivation, able to operate well in a team environment Confidence communicating with the community and volunteers at our key sites Skilled collaborator, team-player, with emotional intelligence Excellent planning, organisational, coordinating, computing and administration skills A reasonable level of physical fitness to undertake field work which includes working in the back country, carrying in equipment and materials to sites.
Ability to work remotely in backcountry, with overnight stays 7 – 10 nights per year.
Full NZ driver's licence Desirable: Chainsaw and weed-eater experience Growsafe Certification First Aid Certification Tramping or backcountry experience/skills Basic Firefighting training Four-wheel drive unit standards Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) unit standards Computer skills Basic DIY, carpentry, landscaping, building skills Mō te tīma | About the team The Regional Operations Group is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitor, Community Engagement and Visitor Centre teams.
The Central North Island team are a big whanau that place a strong emphasis on looking after one another.
The team are very active, value social connection, and are very passionate about their purpose to look out for the maunga and whenua.
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 kaimahi 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 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 15 April 2026.
