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Useful experience for rangers includes:

• doing volunteer conservation work with a group
• taking online courses run by the Department of Conservation
• outdoor experience such as tramping, camping or farming
• First Aid Certificate and Risk Management Certificates
• building work
• experience with native birds and insects
• customer service.

A knowledge and understanding of Māori culture and protocol is also useful.

Rangers may do some or all of the following:

• monitor, manage and protect native wildlife, habitats and plants
• control and monitor pests and weeds, and run native plant nurseries
• patrol marine reserves and enforce compliance by-laws
• make or maintain tracks, toilets, huts, signs, fences
• keep park, reserve or campsite amenities clean, and remove rubbish
• protect and restore historic sites
• build and maintain links with the local community and iwi
• assist and give information to visitors of parks or reserves
• develop and oversee volunteer and education programmes
• support and monitor concession holders and property licence holders such as graziers.

Job opportunities for rangers best in remote areas

Demand for rangers is expected to grow due to a government increase in conservation funding.

There are often vacancies for Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger jobs, but competition can be strong. Your chances of securing a job are best if you apply for ones based in remote areas.

According to the Census, 981 park rangers worked in New Zealand in 2018.  

Experience doing contract or volunteer work useful

You can improve your chances of securing a ranger job by volunteering for DOC or for council or community projects. Volunteering can lead to short or long-term contract work. Contract and volunteer work in the field is usually only available in summer.

Studying online courses through DOC may also help your chances of getting a job.

• Department of Conservation website - become a DOC volunteer
• Department of Conservation website - training

Most rangers work for DOC

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is the main employer of rangers. They can also work for:

• regional and local councils
• conservation sanctuaries
• Fish & Game New Zealand.

Department of Conservation

(04) 471 0726 - enquiries@doc.govt.nz - www.doc.govt.nz

Rangers may move into team leader or management roles.

Rangers can specialise in several areas, including:

• building, carpentry, or plumbing (needed for building huts and other visitor facilities at national and regional parks)
• community relations and education
• biodiversity, which involves looking after plants and animals.

Rangers need to be:

• adaptable and practical
• safety conscious
• able to remain calm in emergencies
• motivated, as they may have to work in difficult conditions, such as outdoors in bad weather
• able to work independently or as part of a team
• friendly, patient and helpful, as they deal with the public
• knowledgeable about first aid.