Ranger Pest Detection Dogs

• Is your background in the natural environment, working in small animal pest control and monitoring?

• Do you have experience training, working and caring for working dogs that will enable you to and work as a Ranger - Pest Detection Dogs to deliver positive outcomes for our flora and fauna?

• Are you skilled at field delivery and passionate about sharing your skills and knowledge with others?

• The salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981 depending on skills and experience.

• Permanent, fulltime position based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

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.

He angitūtanga | About the role

The Conservation Dogs team is looking for an experienced person to join the team and be based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual.

As Ranger, (Pest Detection Dogs) for the Conservation Dogs team, your work will be focussed on the Auckland Hauraki Gulf Islands undertaking Pest Surveillance, biosecurity checks and incursion responses with your fully certified rodent detection dog, covering a diverse range of ecosystems and significant natural areas. You will also be required to deliver some of this work across New Zealand, as part of the national Conservation dog programme.

You will have or need to develop defined leadership capabilities, and role model high standards of integrity and professionalism. The role will also include building positive working relationships across the organisation and with our other key partners. This role includes some advocacy and public engagement work.

This role involves travel, so you must be flexible to travel and work away from home as needed.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To be successful in this role, you will need a strong combination of practical field skills and proven dog handler experience.  

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

• Experience in the training, handling and care of working dogs

• Experience in small animal pest control and monitoring

• Backcountry experience/skills.

• Experience and ability to work off-track in remote field situations, e.g. deep forest and remote islands

• Experience in speaking to and dealing with a wide range of audiences

• The ability to work closely and collaboratively with others, including other dog handlers, DOC staff, community, stakeholders and local government to build successful relationships and grow conservation outcomes

• An ability to plan and manage your own work programme

• Experience in operating online and offline system software i.e. GPS, Microsoft suite, ArcGIS, etc.

• Written and verbal communication skills.

• Full current New Zealand driver licence and ability to travel as and when required.

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 $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 katinga | Applications close at 11:00 pm on Monday 1 December 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Helen Neale, Conservation Dogs Programme Manager