Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge Ranger (Fixed Term, Full and Part Time Opportunities)

• 12 month Fixed Term Contract early July 2026 commencement

• Multiple positions available either Full or Part time tell us what works for you!

• Based in Palmerston North

• $65070 - $75981 starting salary dependent on skills and experience

Diverse hands-on Biodiversity Ranger opportunity protecting taonga species through pest control and community engagement in the Manawatū Gorge.

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

Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge is a taonga in the ManawatūWhanganui region known for its dramatic landscape rich cultural history and diverse forest ecosystems. The area is home to important taonga species including tītipounamu (riflemen) kārearea (New Zealand falcon) kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) giant maidenhair fern and northern rātā.

DOC alongside iwi councils landowners and other partners is working collaboratively to protect and enhance biodiversity in the Gorge. As part of this work DOC is recruiting two Ranger Biodiversity staff to support a oneyear externally funded trial focussed on delivering animal pest control.

Mō te tūranga About the role

As a Ranger Biodiversity you will play a handson role in protecting Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge with a strong focus on field delivery and community engagement.

The position will be focussed on:

• Delivering animal pest control operations including traps and toxins

• Undertaking biodiversity monitoring and field data collection

• Working closely within a collaboration involving iwi councils landowners and partners

• Acting as the public face of Te Āpiti engaging with visitors volunteers and stakeholders

• Completing planning compliance reporting and storytelling tasks

• Working safely in steep rugged terrain and variable conditions

• Carrying out weed control and minor asset maintenance as time allows

Click here for the Role Description

This is a predominantly field based position so the successful candidate(s) should be physically fit comfortable spending time outdoors and navigating off-track.

We have a bit of flexibility and can consider candidates looking for both full time and part time work. Let us know what your ideal work arrangement would look like (eg full time 0.8FTE 0.5FTE) in your cover letter.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako Skills and experience

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

• Experience in animal pest control including use of toxins and traps

• A high level of fitness

• Confidence navigating offtrack and on steep terrain

• Strong interest in biodiversity conservation and practical field work

• Good communication skills and confidence engaging with the public and partners

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• A current Full Driver Licence (essential)

• A Controlled Substance Licence (highly advantageous)

Our Values

At The Department of Conservation everyones journey is unique. Every purpose personal. Thats why we believe your career should be more than a role it should be a path that reflects who you are what you value and the difference you want to make.

Here youll find more than a workplace. Youll find a team united and guided by values that matter:

• Integrity because trust and honesty are non-negotiable

• Empowerment because when we lift each other we all rise higher

• Connection because collaboration sparks progress

• Achievement because results mean more when they create real impact

This is a place where nature thrives because people do.

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 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.

Rā whakakapi Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 12th May

Me he pātai anō whakapā mai For further enquiries please contact Leeza Young Senior Recruitment Advisor