Protect a nationally critical species in one of Aotearoa’s most unique environments.
Spend your days in remote back country, working where few people ever get to go.
Salary Range:$65,590to $76,589
1full timepermanentrole- RakiuraStewart Island
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | TeOrangao te AoTūroa
Mōtetūranga| About the role
As Ranger Biodiversityyou will be theField Team Leadwhowill lead our dedicated Pukunui Recovery Project (Southern New Zealand Dotterel) field team on RakiuraThe focus for the team is predator control, primarily trappingand laying ground-based toxin to controlferal cats in our effort to protect pukunui.With only 160 birdsremainingthis is a population on the brink of extinction andheavily reliant on predator control to survive.
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.
Youwill support the Project Lead and Principal Ranger to ensure field work is delivered effectively and efficiently
You will be tasked with supporting a variety ofwork in otherprojectsin addition topukunuiworkdepending onshiftingpriorities across thebroaderdistrict workprogrammeFromtime-to-timeworkwillincludesupportinghoihoconservation,pest-free islandbiosecurity,dunerestoration, weedcontrol,visitorinfrastructuremaintenanceand other work astasked.
The position will be focused on:
Leading thefield teamand supportingthe team to complete health and safety processes
Supporting the Project Lead with logistical planning
Identifyingwork needs andmonitoringtheir in-field delivery
In-field coaching of staff to ensure best practiceis applied
Trappingand humanely dispatchingferal cats across the Tin Range and otherpukunuibreeding sites
Ground-based deployment of1080 and rodent toxins
Ground-based hunting ofwhite-tailed deer and avian predatorspecies
Monitoring pukunui at flocking sitesand breeding sites
Infrastructure and track maintenance
Working in remote locations alone or alongside other team membersor volunteers
Monitoring and recording your work progress
Ngāpūkengamengāwheako| Skills and experience
Ifsomeof followingapply to you, we are keen to hear from you:
Comfortable working in remote areas for up to ten days at a time,both in a team and solo
High physical fitness with proven back-country experience
Familiarity withoff-trackGPSnavigation
Strong communicationskills and the ability to work well in a small team
Previousexperience supporting your colleaguesthroughon-the-jobtraining
Experience with ground-based predator controlusingtrappingand toxincontrol
A dedication to health and safety
Accurate and detailed record keeping
Desirable:
A controlled substances licence (CSL) with 1080 endorsement
Boating experienceandBoatMaster qualification
NZ firearms licence
Ability to drive a manual vehicle
Mōtetīma| 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 more information about living onRakiura, checkout our information sheetor visit http://www.stewartisland.co.nz
Please note, private accommodation is limited; ifrequired,we have staff accommodation available in a shared house.
He ahangāpāingamōu? |What’sin 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.
Tonoainaiānei| 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 yourequireany accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
The salary range for this position is $65,590to $76,589with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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.
Rāwhakakapi| Applications closeat 11:59 pm on Monday,14September2026
Me hepātaianō,whakapāmai| For further enquiries, please contactKevCarter,Principal Ranger, at kcarter@doc.govt.nzor +6421956587
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