Kaitiaki Ranger

• Do you want to make a key difference in the conservation of the nationally critical Southern New Zealand Dotterel/Pukunui?
• Work in a unique and distinct environment while protecting one of New Zealands taonga species.
• Permanent & 1 year-fixed term opportunities, Rakiura/Stewart Island location.

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitutanga | About the role

You will be joining our dedicated Southern New Zealand Dotterel/Pukunui Recovery team on Rakiura. The focus for the team is predator control, primarily trapping feral cats in our effort to protect pukunui. The last annual flock count recorded only 105 birds remaining, so intensive year-round predator control is required to protect this taonga species.

You will work alone or in teams of two or three in remote locations for up to 10 days at a time, traveling to and from field sites by small boat, helicopter, or on foot.

The position will be focused on:

• trapping feral cats across the Tin Range and other Dotterel breeding sites
• monitoring pukunui at flocking sites
• maintaing infrastructure and tracks
• working in remote locations alone or alongside other team members
• monitoring and recording your work progress.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience

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

• High physical fitness with proven back-country experience.
• Qualifications and/or experience in predator control programmes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well in a small team.
• A dedication to health and safety.
• Accurate and detailed record keeping.
• Comfortable working in remote areas for up to ten days at a time.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Familiarity with GPS navigation.
• Passion for conservation.

Desirable:

• Boating experience.
• NZ firearms licence.
• Ability to drive a manual vehicle.

Mo te tima | About the team

As part of the Rakiura Operations team, you will join a tight knit crew who genuinely enjoy working with each other and are passionate about the work they do. For further information about living on the island please check the attached information sheet or visit http://www.stewartisland.co.nz.

Private accommodation on the island is limited; if required we have staff accommodation available in a shared house.

Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | 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.

Tono inaianei | Apply now

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.

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 throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 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.

Ra katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Me he patai ano | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Grace Tocker, Supervisor, at gtocker@doc.govt.nz

Taupanga | Job reference: DOC/1858794

Information :

• Company : Department of Conservation
• Position : Kaitiaki Ranger
• Location : Stewart Island, Southland
• Country : NZ