Ranger Heritage and Visitors

• Do you enjoy being out and about in Te Taiao with the ability to do physical mahi?

• Make a real difference in the conservation outcomes in the Eastern North Island region!

• The salary ranges from $65,070 to $ $75,981 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent, full-time role based in Whakatane.

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

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

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available in our Heritage and Visitors team. We are looking for a dedicated and collaborative individual to join our team who feels inspired, day in day out and connected to our united purpose: Papatūānuku Thrives.

You will join the Heritage and Visitors team who takes great pride in managing and maintaining an extensive recreational asset base across the rohe. The focus is visitor safety providing quality experiences for all amongst Te Taiao.

The position will be focussed on:

• Planning, organising and completing scheduled work plans

• Maintaining our recreational assets which requires a high level of fitness and a know-how-can-do attitude

• Working well in a close-knit team but also be able to work alone in the field at times

• Being an innovative problem solver and solution finder

• Advocating, leading and promoting health, safety and wellbeing in everything you do.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

• Proven experience in recreational asset maintenance/management (trade or relevant qualification desirable).

• A genuine passion for conservation and the outdoors, with a strong connection to Te Taiao

• Proven experience in carpentry, building and facilities maintenance

• An eye for detail to ensure all our assets are constructed are maintained to a high standard

• Experience in the use of power equipment, specifically chainsaws Hands on practical field experience.

• Ability to work in back country environments and have a high level of fitness, and ability to navigate off track.

• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships.

• Ability to monitor the delivery of the assigned work plan and reporting progress of relevant issues.

• Committed and motivated to work without constant supervision.

• The ability to work in true partnership with others across DOC and external stakeholders including local whānau, hapū and iwi.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori is an advantage.

• Full New Zealand drivers’ licence.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Whakatane team is a passionate team of permanent staff, with support from contractors and casual and fixed term staff. The team are experts in their fields of Biodiversity, Community and Heritage and Visitors but work closely together and there is often the opportunity to support each other depending on the priorities of the district.

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.  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 $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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday 6th March 2026

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

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor at [email protected]