Marine Protection Ranger | Tūtei Whakamaru Ahumoana (Fixed Term)

• Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting our coastal ecosystems? 
• Are you a skilled and experienced diver with a Scientific COC, and experience in skippering, marine compliance or advocacy? 
• Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
• Salary ranges from $69,429 - $88,181 depending on skills and experience
• Fulltime, fixed term opportunity through to April 2027
• Based in Devonport, Auckland CBD or Warkworth on a 7-day rotational roster.

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

Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand’s first marine park and only national park of the sea. Covering 1.4 million hectares, it’s more than 20 times the size of Lake Taupō and includes the Waitematā Harbour, Gulf Islands, Firth of Thames, and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Renowned as the seabird capital of the world and a vital whale superhighway, this marine park is intensively used and located right on the doorstep of our most populated city. Find out more.

The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act established 19 new marine protection areas to enhance the Gulf’s marine health, along with 6 existing marine reserves. This bespoke legislation is the biggest marine protection in a generation and is part of the broader Revitalising the Gulf programme.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As a Marine Protection Ranger, your role has a strong focus on compliance and advocacy. You will have a current scientific diving qualification and experience undertaking various scientific methods. Experience boating and skippering will be advantageous year-round. You will be committed and excited to undertake compliance and advocacy. You will have a passion and an understanding of the marine environment. 

The position will be focussed on:

• Conducting scientific surveys, assist with ecological assessments, and contribute to biodiversity monitoring eg. BRUV, BUV, transects, deep reef surveys etc.
• Ensuring compliance with marine protection laws through patrols, inspections, and engagement.
• Collaborating with treaty partners, local communities, and marine users to promote sustainable practices. 
• Responding to environmental incidents, support emergency operations, and assist in compliance investigations.
• Maintaining accurate records, prepare high-quality reports, and issue infringements or documentation for prosecution.    

These roles require travel, so flexibility is essential to work away from home for several days when needed. Rosters operate on a rotational basis to ensure coverage 7 days a week.

This is a fulltime, fixed term opportunity through to April 2027 and can be based out of Devonport, Auckland CBD or Warkworth.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Key interpersonal skills we’re looking for include:

• Effective communication: Able to effectively convey complex regulations and policies around marine reserve operations, including operating radio effectively
• Cultural awareness and ethical decision making: Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and traditions to foster respect and cooperation.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle changing environments and weather while maintaining safety and clear communication. Willingness to work weekends and public holidays.
• Excellent paperwork skills: Ability to write complex compliance reports and effectively relay information
• Problem solving & situational awareness: Quick, safe resolution of issues and awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents and mitigate risks.
• Leadership: Decision-making under pressure to ensure crew safety and smooth team operations.

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

• Scientific Diving certification and experience 
• Advocacy & Compliance: Experience in compliance or advocacy roles.
• Tertiary Qualification in marine science, environmental science, or related field.
• SRL (Skipper Restricted Limits) licence preferred
• Physical Fitness: Able to meet the physical demands of diving and vessel operations.
• Medically fit to perform vessel handling duties, with current medical certifications (WorkSafe) required for maritime operations
• Navigation, GPS, and chart reading.
• Marine safety protocols, including emergency and man-overboard procedures.
• Understanding of New Zealand maritime laws and compliance.
• Experience maintaining accurate operational logs and compliance documentation.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems and sustainable boating practices.
• Ability to assess and manage marine hazards and risks.
• Current Full NZ Driver License
• Ability to work away from home for several days when required

Desirable skills:

• Proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese and Te Reo is highly desirable
• Commitment to marine sustainability and Te Papa Atawhai’s Kaupapa, with understanding of Māori Tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the revitalisation of the Hauraki Gulf, we want to hear from you!

Join us in making a difference for our marine environment and the communities and species that depend on it.

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.

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: $69,429 - $88,181, depending on skills and experience.

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

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday 14th October. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact Kylie Yallop, Principal Ranger, [email protected]z