Ranger River Restoration

• Lead real impact: Restore the health and mauri of the Waipoua River as part of DOC's national Freshwater Stretch Goal.

• Collaborate and connect: Work alongside iwi, community groups, scientists, and local councils to achieve lasting restoration outcomes.

• Diverse, meaningful mahi: Combine hands-on fieldwork with project management in a role that blends science, planning, and partnership.

• Join a passionate whānau: Be part of a supportive Kauri Coast team and a nationwide network of River Restoration Rangers. Permanent, Part-time 0.7 FTE - 56 hours per fortnight with flexibility on days worked.

• Based in Te Tai Kauri Kauri Coast Office, Dargaville.

• The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265 (pro-rata).

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

As our Ranger, River Restoration, you'll be part of our wider Operations team, contributing directly to our Freshwater Stretch Goal – 50 Freshwater Ecosystems Restored. In this role, you'll apply a diverse range of conservation methods — from habitat restoration and pest control to hydrological restoration, water quality management, and securing legal protection for key areas.

This is a hands-on field role as well as a project management position. You won't just be coordinating work — you'll also be out in the field undertaking restoration activities yourself, gathering data, monitoring progress, and implementing practical solutions on the ground.

Your mahi will focus on the Waipoua River, so you'll need to enjoy working outdoors, often independently, and be comfortable navigating varied field conditions. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead meaningful freshwater restoration work while building strong relationships with DOC colleagues, iwi partners, community groups, scientists, and local councils.

You'll join a close-knit national network of River Restoration Rangers across Aotearoa, while also receiving ongoing support from your local district team. This position is 0.7 FTE (part-time).

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We're looking for a motivated and capable project manager with field experience who can keep projects on track while also contributing directly to on-the-ground restoration work. You'll have a collaborative working style and a passion for turning technical knowledge into real-world restoration outcomes that build ecosystem resilience.

If the following sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you:

• 5+ years specialist experience in practical habitat restoration or resource management, with a focus on freshwater habitat restoration.

• Experience working in partnership with iwi, stakeholders, and other agencies to set clear visions, objectives, actions, and monitoring frameworks.

• Ability to identify opportunities that align with wider projects and clarify DOC's role within them.

• Skilled in gathering or commissioning baseline data to guide restoration approaches.

• Proven experience driving action plans, whether through partnerships, direct field work, or by managing contracted work.

• Capability to review and adapt programmes based on monitoring results and new research.

• Strong communication skills — from report writing to community engagement.

• Competence in budget management and contractor oversight.

• Comfortable working alongside technical, monitoring, partnership, and science advisors for support and guidance.

Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, we still encourage you to apply.

Mō te tīma | About the team

You'll be joining a whānau of 22 passionate team members working in both local and regional roles across the Kauri Coast. Our base is in Dargaville, with our work spanning from Arai te Uru in the north to Pouto Point in the south, encompassing the stunning Ripiro Beach coastline.

We're proud of our mahi, our place, and our people. We support each other as a team and are deeply connected to the communities we serve and the landscapes we protect.

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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

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 $68,878 to $87,265 (pro-rata) 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 11:00 pm on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

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 Anja Meduna, Principal Ranger Ngā Wai,