Ranger Marine Protection (Skipper)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting our coastal ecosystems?
• Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
• Salary ranges from $68,535 to $86,423 depending on skills and experience.
• Permanent, full-time position based in Mahurangi | Warkworth.

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

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

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 here.

The proposed Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill aims to establish 19 new marine protection areas to enhance the Gulf's marine health, along with existing marine reserves. This bespoke legislation will be the first of its kind in Aotearoa and is part of the broader Revitalising the Gulf programme.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Marine Protection Ranger, you will focus on compliance, biodiversity monitoring and marine operations. You will have strong boating and skipper skills with other focus areas on diving and compliance. You will have a passion and an understanding of the marine environment.

You will play a crucial part in protecting marine biodiversity, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations, and maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems. If you have skills in one or more of these areas and a passion for marine protection, we encourage you to apply.

The position will be focussed on:

• ensuring compliance with marine protection laws through patrols, inspections, and engagement
• conducting scientific surveys, assist with ecological assessments, and contribute to biodiversity monitoring
• 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 from Wednesday to Sunday year-round, with potential flexibility between June and September.

Key soft skills we're looking for include:

• Excellent communicator: Clear and effective communication, including radio use and giving safety instructions to avoid misunderstandings.
• Cultural awareness: 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 holidays.
• 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.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Key Skills & Experience:

• Minimum requirement: SRL (Skipper Restricted Limits) ricense required.
• Commercial Vessel Experience: Must have skippered vessels <12m in open ocean.
• Diving Experience: Basic diving qualifications for open ocean environments.
• Advocacy & Compliance: Experience in compliance or advocacy roles.
• Physical Fitness: Able to meet the physical demands of diving and vessel operations.
• Medically fit to perform diving operations and vessel handling duties, with current medical certifications (WorkSafe) required for both commercial diving and maritime operations.
• Navigation, GPS, and chart reading.
• Marine safety protocols, including emergency and man-overboard procedures.
• Basic marine engine troubleshooting and repairs.
• Understanding of New Zealand maritime laws and compliance.
• Experience maintaining accurate operational logs and compliance documentation.
• Vessel Handling; proficient in steering, docking, and manoeuvring in various conditions.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems and sustainable boating practices.
• Ability to assess and manage marine hazards and risks.
• Current full New Zealand driver licence.
• Ability to work away from home for several days when required.

Desirable Skills:

• Tertiary Qualification in marine science, environmental science, or related field.
• Scientific Diving certification and experience.
• Law Enforcement or compliance.
• 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.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,535 to $86,423 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 2 March 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Molly Hicks, Supervisor, mhicks@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1844168