Junior Ranger - Te Rūnanga o Waihao

Type: Fixed term, Full-time

Location:

Description

Kaiaka Taiao - Junior Ranger

12-month Fixed-Term, Full-Time Role | South Canterbury, Waimate District

Kia hiwa rā! Join us at Te Rūnanga o Waihao.

Seeking 2 Junior Rangers

Are you passionate about conservation, biodiversity, and preserving our natural tāoka? Do you want to gain experience navigating wetlands, restoring ecosystems, and safeguarding tāoka in both fresh and saltwater environments? If so, we are seeking a 2 Junior Rangers to join our dedicated team

About Us

Te Rūnanga o Waihao is seeking a Kaiaka Taiao Junior Ranger for a 12-month fixed-term, full-time role, based at Waihao Marae, Waimate. We are committed to environmental stewardship and the protection of our land's most valuable ecosystems. Our Ranger Programme, is a comprehensive capability advancement programme to grow our people in our place with long-term ecological and environmental gains, delivering extensive landscape restoration in the Waihao takiwā. The programme will support the restoration and protection of our tāoka species and habitats and will enable the establishment of biosecurity management across the Waihao takiwā.

Position Overview

The role of the Junior Ranger will work with Waihao Rūnanga to implement projects to restore and enhance the mauri and health of the Wainono lagoon and other significant areas within our takiwā. This role suits physically fit, outdoors-minded applicants who can work as part of a team and provide hands-on experience and training in various aspects of environmental management and protection.

This unique position will provide hands-on experience in wildlife and habitat management while developing your knowledge, practical field skills, and confidence working with a wide range of people.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaboration with team members to implement Conservation Management Plans.
• Participate in habitat restoration projects, including planting native vegetation and removing invasive species.
• Conduct field surveys to assess biodiversity population and habitat conditions.
• Assist with environmental monitoring activities, such as water quality testing and air pollution assessments.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of field observations and research findings.

• A commitment to ensure all health, safety and wellbeing policies and procedures are followed.

Qualifications

• Previous experience is preferred working in the Taiao (environmental) sector
• Sound understanding of the significance of mahinga kai and taonga species.
• Demonstrated passion for environmental conservation, restoration and sustainability.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and across rugged terrain.
• Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

If you're ready to embark on a rewarding career protecting and restoring our planet's wetland ecosystems while honouring cultural heritage, we want to hear from you.

Apply Now – Applications close 30 August 2026, 12pm

To apply, please submit a current CV and cover letter describing your motivation to work for our Rūnanga to Sam MacDonald at [email protected]

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!