Ranger - Weeds (Fixed term)

About the role

This fixed-term Ranger position focuses on weed management across islands in Tikapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf). You will join a roaming ranger team that works across multiple island locations and contributes to protecting native flora in Aotearoa.

The role is based around island living and field work, with accommodation supplied for the duration of each shift. The successful person will be expected to stay on-island during rostered work periods and travel off-island on scheduled days off, except on Hauturu where the remoteness means the arrangement differs.

Work pattern and locations

You will rotate between several island work sites, including 4 months on Rangitoto-Motutapu, 4 months on Te Hauturu-o-Toi, and shorter assignments on Tiritiri Matangi, Motuihe, Motuora, Kawau, and smaller unmanned islands near Motuora such as Te Haupa and Moturekareka. The roster may follow either a 10 days on / 4 days off pattern or a 5-day week, depending on the island programme.

Key duties

The role centres on identifying and controlling weeds in priority areas across the island network. You will carry out field-based weed control using a mix of manual methods and agrichemical techniques, and you will also maintain accurate GPS-based records of waypoints and track logs.

Skills and experience

DOC is interested in hearing from candidates who bring some of the following capabilities:

• Hands-on experience with weed and pest management methods.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, GIS tools, GPS devices, and field communication equipment.
• Comfort living in shared accommodation on remote islands for extended periods.
• Backcountry experience and a strong level of physical fitness for challenging terrain.
• A solid health and safety mindset, including the ability to support safe work practices.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with iwi, community groups, and landowners.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.

Desirable qualifications

• Growsafe certification.
• 4WD and Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) qualifications.
• Current First Aid certificate.

Pay and conditions

The salary band for this role is $61,189 to $67,446, with the starting rate determined by the successful applicant’s relevant skills and experience. This is a full-time fixed-term role running through to June 2027. Accommodation is provided for the full duration of the shift. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand, including holding a valid work visa that covers the entire employment period.

Application notes

Applications must be submitted online with a CV and cover letter that explain your relevant experience, skills, and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Due to the high number of applications, direct or emailed applications will not be accepted, and feedback will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Accommodation or other recruitment process adjustments can be requested if needed. Recruitment agencies are not being engaged for this vacancy. The closing date is 11:59 pm on Sunday 21 June 2026, although the advertisement may close earlier if enough applications are received.

Contact

For enquiries about the role, contact Hayley Barlow, Recruitment Advisor.