Ranger Heritage and Visitors (Island)

• Live and work in paradise - make your home on stunning Matiu Island in Te Whanganui a Tara / Wellington Harbour

• Work in partnership with Taranaki Whānui the mana whenua and owners of the Harbour Islands under the governance of the Kaitiaki Board

• Play a key part in delivering the aspirations of Taranaki Whānui for Matiu Island

• 3-year full-time island based role with the option to extend

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.

He angitūtanga About the role

MOURI MOTU MOURI TANGATA MOURI ORA

Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of waves lapping against ancient shores with Wellington Harbor as your backdrop and an entire island as your office. Were seeking an exceptional individual to lead our work at an exceptional site

The islands are owned by Taranaki Whānui and managed by the Department under the governance of the Harbour Islands Kaitiaki Board. You will lead our work alongside Taranaki Whānui staff to protect and enhance the values at site while looking after the many thousands of day and overnight visitors who come to the island throughout the year.

The role is focussed on:

• Ensuring the islands remain pest free by maintaining biosecurity programs

• Being a people person: engagement with uri of Taranaki Whānui looking after visitors coordinating conservation groups volunteers and contractors

• Maintaining island infrastructure including tracks buildings water electrical sewage systems vehicles and machinery

• Working closely with Taranaki Whānui staff to support the revitalization of Taranaki Whānui tikanga reo and cultural practices on the islands

• Managing projects contractors and seasonal staff.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako Skills and experience

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

• Experience and capability in working with a diverse range of people while building and sustaining collaborative relationships

• A sound understanding of Te Tiriti principles and capability in the following: te reo māori me ōna tikanga te ao māori perspectives and knowledge systems kaitiakitanga and mātauranga associated with the taiao space

• A keen desire to work with tangata whenua in an iwi-lead context

• Self-motivated flexible and able to adapt to challenges

• Strong organisational skills and proficient in the use of computer programmes such as Outlook Word and Excel

• A reasonable level of fitness and practical skills in facilities maintenance tasks painting carpentry DIY etc

Desirable:

• A current NZ Class 1 driver license (Manual).

• First Aid Certificate.

• Grow safe Accreditation.

• Tractor driving and operating qualifications for a tractor less than 1000 kg.

• Basic Chainsaw unit standards.

• Safe Working at Heights.

• Approved handlers license for gas and fuels.

• Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) Level 2.

• GPS and GIS computer skills.

• Fire fighter unit standards.

A house is provided on Matiu as part of the role. You will work a 10 day shift with 4 days rostered off. While the role does not come with mainland accommodation for rostered off periods the office does have a mainland house with the option of renting a room.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu Whats in it for you

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate thrive and grow. Were 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 $65070 to $75981 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 27 January 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 Don Herron Principal Ranger