Ranger Biodiversity (Hoiho)

• Opportunity to pursue your passion for conservation in this truly untouched part of Aotearoa.

• Join us in an exciting seasonal role leading and contributing to the conservation of our hoiho / yellow eyed penguins!

• Salary Range: $65,590 - $76,589 

• Full time, fixed term opportunity for 8 months between 21 September 2026 until 28 May 2027, based in Rakiura/ Stewart Island.

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

He angitūtanga | About the role

The focus of this role is to lead the seasonal programme to monitor and protect Hoiho / yellow eyed penguins. This includes but is not limited to: nest searching, nest monitoring, transport of penguins, rehabilitation, data entry, predator control, volunteer coordination, and trail camera management.

As the Ranger, Biodiversity you will be expected to lead the planning, delivery and reporting of the programme. You will coordinate field work alongside mana whenua and community conservation groups. You will have the opportunity to assist with the recovery of hoiho at the rehabilitation centre on Rakiura.

There may be opportunities to work outside of the Rakiura District and assist with delivery of the hoiho programme across their range. 

You will be tasked with supporting a variety of work in other projects in addition to hoiho work depending on shifting priorities across the broader district work programme. From time-to-time work will include supporting pukunui / southern NZ dotterel conservation, pest-free island biosecurity, dune restoration, weed control, visitor infrastructure maintenance and other work as tasked.

Click here for the Role Description 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

You will have a great attitude with the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team, and a passion for protecting and enhancing our taonga species.

If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• Ability to work alone

• Bird handling skills

• Experience leading a field team, with the ability to plan and organise field and office-based work

• Experience in small boats

• Experience with GIS software and GPS units

• A full driver’s licence and the ability to drive manual vehicles

• A high level of physical fitness

• Experience and competence in the outdoors

• A strong Health and Safety focus

• Proficiency in the MS Office suite of programmes, data management and reporting

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to tailor their approach to different audiences

• The desire to support others to grow their appreciation of conservation and nature, and to undertake conservation projects.

Desirable:

• Boating qualifications

• First aid certification

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Operations Team on Rakiura / Stewart Island is responsible for delivering the Department’s conservation activities across Rakiura and its surroundings, being a part of the Southern South Island region. The team consists of approx. 21 permanent staff and 12 temporary staff based in Oban, led by the Operations Manager / Pou Matarautaki.

We are a small, friendly team who are looking for someone who can work well as part of our team and contribute positively to our biodiversity programme. We work strongly in partnership with tangata whenua in the management of lands and taonga species. We have multiple strategic partnerships in action that support and enhance the conservation work that we do.

For further information about living on Rakiura please check the attached information sheet or visit http://www.stewartisland.co.nz.  

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.  

There is shared staff accommodation available for the length of contract in Oban, if required              

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted. 

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate. 

Salary: $65,590 - $76,589, depending on skills and experience. 

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.  

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday 31 August 2026. 

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, Kev Carter, Principal Ranger Biodiversity, [email protected], 021 956 587