Ranger (Captive Rearing Tara Iti) (Fixed-Term)

• Spend your summer working on conservation of New Zealand’s rarest endemic breeding bird

• Salary range $61,189 - $67,446 depending on skills and experience

• Full time, fixed-term site-based role at Te Arai, Auckland from November 2026 – April 2027.   

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa 

Mō te tūranga | About the role 

The New Zealand Fairy Tern/ Tara iti is New Zealand’s rarest endemic breeding bird. There are currently fewer than 45 birds left in the population. The survival of this species is supported by a dedicated team of DOC staff. We are looking for a capable, passionate person to join our team for the summer and work in our captive rearing program based at Te Ārai. 

Induction and training are provided. This is a full-time 40hr per week role with as 5-day roster which includes working on weekends with two days off during the week. You may occasionally be asked to provide out-of-hours support in case of emergency.  

Key tasks include: 

• Carry out fish husbandry tasks  

• Assist zookeepers with the care and monitoring of tara iti chicks  

• Bird monitoring and observations   

• Maintain site infrastructure, including solar and aquarium systems  

• Transport fish and equipment between Te Ārai, Warkworth, Auckland Zoo, and other sites  

• Deliver public advocacy and education around tara iti and shorebird protection  

• Undertake predator control, including trapping, live dispatch, and monitoring  

• Regular fish resupply trips including overnight stays   

• Support wider programme tasks as required   

Click here for Applicant Information Sheet

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

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

• Experience in one or more relevant areas 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team   

• Self-motivated with a good work ethic  

• Comfortable working outside  

• Experience off-road driving, or using LUVs  

• Strong communication skills, including working with volunteers and the public   

• Ability to prioritise tasks, adapt, and problem-solve in dynamic situations   

• Good written communication skills and ability to produce reports   

• Competency using Microsoft Office and basic data recording tools   

• Full New Zealand driver’s licence necessary, with ability to drive manual preferred 

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

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

We also support flexible working arrangements for our kaimahi across Aotearoa, with options considered based on the role and in discussion with your leader.

Want to know more?

Tonoa inaiānei | Apply now

Apply online with your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. We’re unable to accept emailed applications or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.

Salary: $61,189 - $67,446 depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:00 pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact Kate Sparks ksparks@doc.govt.nz