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

• $65,070 - $75,981 – 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 Manawatū‑Whanganui 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 one‑year, externally funded trial focussed on delivering animal pest control.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As a Ranger Biodiversity, you will play a hands‑on 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

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 off‑track 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, everyone’s journey is unique. Every purpose, personal. That’s 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, you’ll find more than a workplace. You’ll 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? | What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

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 $65,070 to $75,981 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, leeyoung@doc.govt.nz