Ranger

Ngā Manu Nature Reserve is seeking a Ranger to join our team in Waikanae.

We’re looking for a practical, energetic person who enjoys being busy, likes working as part of a team, and is happy to turn their hand to whatever needs doing to keep the Reserve running smoothly.

This is a genuinely varied role. On any given day you might be caring for native wildlife, repairing an enclosure, clearing a track, helping a visitor, preparing for an event, checking a trap line or dealing with an unexpected maintenance issue. No two days are the same — and that’s a big part of what makes the role rewarding.

We are ideally looking for one full-time Ranger, but would consider part-time for the right candidate.

About the role

As a Ranger at Ngā Manu, you will play a key role in:

• Supporting the care and welfare of our captive native species
• Maintaining the presentation, safety and accessibility of the Reserve
• Delivering engaging talks and tours to visitors, including schools and groups
• Contributing to conservation outcomes through pest control, habitat management and monitoring
• Pitching in across the wider operation wherever an extra pair of hands is needed

This is an active, outdoor and hands-on role. Just as important as your technical skills will be your attitude: we’re looking for someone who takes initiative, works well with others, notices what needs doing and gets stuck in.

What you’ll be doing

• Animal husbandry, monitoring health and welfare, and maintaining records
• Preparing food and enrichment, and maintaining animal enclosures
• Maintaining Reserve infrastructure, tracks and public areas
• Supporting pest control and conservation programmes
• Delivering visitor talks, tours and experiences that educate and inspire
• Supporting customer service and helping prepare for public events when needed
• Working alongside volunteers and supporting them in their roles
• Helping solve the everyday practical issues that come with running a busy 14-hectare nature reserve
• Ensuring high standards of presentation, safety and operational readiness across the Reserve

What we’re looking for

First and foremost, we’re looking for the right person for our team.

You’ll probably be someone who:

• Enjoys a busy, varied working day and is comfortable changing priorities when needed
• Has a positive, practical attitude and genuinely enjoys getting things done
• Is a team player who is happy to pitch in, whether or not something sits neatly within their usual area of responsibility
• Takes ownership — if you spot a problem, you’re inclined to help solve it
• Is practical and resourceful, with good on-the-ground problem-solving skills
• Enjoys working with people as well as wildlife, and can engage confidently with visitors, volunteers and colleagues
• Is organised, reliable and follows tasks through to completion
• Is happy working outdoors in all conditions and undertaking physical work

Experience or qualifications in conservation, environmental management, animal care or a related field would be an advantage, as would practical experience in a similar role. However, we’re also interested in hearing from people with strong transferable skills, the right attitude and a genuine willingness to learn.

An understanding of New Zealand native flora and fauna is valuable, but curiosity and enthusiasm to develop that knowledge are equally important.

A full driver’s licence is required. Confidence using power tools, light machinery, tractors or mowers would be an advantage.

What we offer

• A meaningful role contributing to conservation and education
• A friendly, passionate team where everyone contributes
• Opportunities to develop your conservation, animal-care and practical skills
• A dynamic and varied workday in a unique natural setting
• Full-time preferred, although part-time may be considered for the right candidate
• Rostered days from 8.30am–5.00pm, including at least one weekend day (ideally Sunday)

About Ngā Manu

Ngā Manu Trust is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring New Zealand’s natural heritage. Our 14-hectare Reserve in Waikanae is home to native wildlife, conservation programmes and immersive visitor experiences.

Our work is guided by our three pou:

• Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship and conservation
• Tāngata – People and community
• Angitūtanga – Sustainability

Apply now

If you love being outdoors, enjoy practical work, care about conservation and are the kind of person who likes to get stuck in and make themselves useful, we’d love to hear from you.

Tell us a little about your experience, but also why you think you’d be a great fit for a small, hands-on team like ours.

Applications close 9am Tuesday 13th October.