Ranger Heritage and Visitors

Are you passionate about managing our huts, tracks and heritage assets for all to enjoy?How would you like to live and work in one of Aotearoa's iconic locations?Permanent, full-time role, based in Whitianga.Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao TūroaThe 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 roleHow would you like to live and work in one of Aotearoa's iconic locations? Enjoy breath-taking scenery and protect important heritage sites in the district. Te Papa Atawhai DOC has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join their close-knit and small Heritage and Visitors team based in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.In this role, your day-to-day work will be primarily field based where you will be involved in:Lead and support the field team in maintaining and preserving Historic and Visitor assets, including structures, sites, and equipment, to departmental standards.Champion health and safety in the field, actively participating in JSAs, toolbox talks, and safety planning, while supporting and mentoring rangers to deliver work safely and confidently.Model and reinforce best-practice behaviours, ensuring consistent standards and a positive team culture.Coordinate and lead daily field operations, implementing the monthly work plan and contributing to its effectiveness through accurate input in BlueWorx and EAM.Maintain conservation sites and facilities, including campsites, picnic and car park areas, toilets, and water systems, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and welcoming to visitors.Construct and maintain tracks and structures to departmental specifications, applying sound practical and technical skills.Operate, oversee, and maintain field equipment such as chainsaws, scrub-bars, backpack sprayers, diggers, and other light machinery safely and efficiently. (Formal training provided; relevant experience and qualifications, particularly with chainsaws, are essential.)Plan and organise field work, including logistics, resource preparation, and data entry to support reporting and future planning.Manage and maintain workshop facilities and tools (e.g., NL Workshop) to ensure readiness, safety, and proper use.Apply conservation law and compliance principles appropriately during field operations and visitor interactions.Contribute to regional heritage and visitor work as required, supporting wider team goals and regional priorities.Part of this role requires occasional living and working for up to 5 days in remote locations. Work outside of normal working hours may also be required.Click here for the Role DescriptionNgā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experienceWe are looking for someone who has a positive, 'can do' attitude, and be a total team player. You will enjoy working in the outdoors and making a hands-on difference in the landscape of our back and front country facilities. You will have practical field skills and be fit and strong enough to undertake a physical job and enjoy working in the field.In addition to the above, if you have the following attributes, we would love to hear from you:A love of the outdoors and a strong practical approach to problemsSound communication skills, oral and writtenA genuine interest in the Departments management of Aotearoa's natural and cultural heritage, and an enthusiasm for engaging others in conservationA full NZ drivers licence class 1Computer and technology savvyDesirable:A current Outdoor first aid certificateA class 2 NZ driver’s licenseCan Lead, plan and implement backcountry field operationsBoat skipper, be willing to undergo the training and experienceTracks and rollers licence, experience with tractors, diggers, etcLicenced building practitionerNZQA Rural or Urban firefighting experienceexperience working with and supporting community Conservation Groups.Knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori and/or experience with working with mana whenuaConservation Law Compliance experienceHe 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 nowApply 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 Sunday, 23 November 2025Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Matt Flynn, Principal Ranger Heritage and Visitor, at mflynn@doc.govt.nz