Ranger Biodiversity | Tūtei Kanorau Koiora

• Are you passionate about protecting and restoring Aotearoa New Zealand's unique biodiversity?

• Make an impact through hands-on conservation work that benefits future generations.

• Salary range: $65,590 to $76,589 depending on skills and experience

• Permanent full-time position | based in Rotorua

Help protect Rotorua's unique biodiversity in a varied field-based role supporting restoration, species protection and conservation.

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Are you passionate about protecting and restoring Aotearoa New Zealand's unique natural environment? We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Ranger Biodiversity to join our Rotorua team and contribute to the conservation of native species, ecosystems, and landscapes.
This is a varied, hands-on role that combines fieldwork, monitoring, restoration, pest management, and operational conservation activities. Working across a range of ecosystems, you'll help deliver biodiversity outcomes while building strong relationships with iwi, partners, landowners, and local communities.
As a Ranger Biodiversity, you'll play an important role in protecting and enhancing indigenous biodiversity through a range of conservation programmes. You'll undertake ecological monitoring, support threatened species recovery, deliver restoration projects, and contribute to pest and predator control operations.
This role involves a mix of independent and team-based work, often in remote and challenging environments, requiring practical problem-solving skills and a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
The position will be focussed on:

• Supporting the protection and recovery of threatened species and habitats.

• Support ecosystem restoration and habitat enhancement projects.

• Undertake pest plant and predator control activities.

• Deliver biodiversity monitoring programmes and collect high-quality ecological data.

• Work with neighbouring landowners to maintain boundaries and help keep conservation land safe from stock.

• Manage hunting permits for the district and support compliance with permit conditions.

• Maintain conservation infrastructure, equipment, and monitoring sites.

• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of field activities.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with iwi, community groups, neighbouring landowners, contractors, and conservation partners.

• Promote safe work practices and contribute to a positive team culture.

Click here for the Role Description   
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
We're looking for someone who combines strong conservation knowledge with practical field experience, excellent relationship management skills, and a commitment to delivering positive biodiversity outcomes.
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
 

• Experience delivering conservation, biodiversity, environmental, or resource management work programmes.

• Experience delivering predator or pest control programmes.

• Proven ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver projects and field-based operational activities.

• Knowledge of biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration, species protection, and threat management.

• Experience leading complex projects or coordinating programmes of work across multiple stakeholders.

• Understanding of relevant legislation, policies, operational procedures, and permitting requirements.

• Strong communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with iwi, communities, stakeholders, partners, and colleagues.

• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, guidance, and support to others.

• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• A commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing, and a proactive approach to managing risk in operational environments.

• Confidence using digital tools and systems to support planning, reporting, and operational delivery.

• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to working in partnership with iwi to achieve positive conservation outcomes.

• Relevant operational qualifications and experience, including chainsaw use, scrub bar operation, four-wheel driving, and Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) operation.

• Current First Aid Certificate.

• A current full New Zealand Driver Licence.

• Vessel experience – Day Skipper or higher qualifications are an advantage

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.
Want to know more?
Tonoa inaiānei | 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 to $76,589, depending on skills and experience.
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 22nd September 2026 This advert may close early, so please apply promptly
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Jasmin Jackson, Principal Ranger at [email protected]