Full-time | Fixed term – 9 months
$60-64,000, pro-rated | Based on experience

Help shape the next chapter of conservation at Pūkaha

Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is looking for an experienced and practical conservation skilled to join our team as Senior Biodiversity Ranger.

This is a hands-on role with a significant focus on our kiwi regeneration programme, but its reach is much wider.

You will work across the conservation team, supporting the care and management of the native species entrusted to us while helping us strengthen the systems, processes, data and ways of working that sit behind great conservation outcomes.

We are looking for someone who can bring conservation knowledge andthe ability to turn that knowledge into well-organised, repeatable and accountable practice.

Pūkaha is a place where nature thrives and where the people we reach are inspired and empowered to be true kaitiaki. Our work spans threatened species recovery, captive breeding, forest restoration, research, advocacy and visitor education.

What you’ll be doing

A major focus during the fixed term will be supporting delivery of the Pūkaha Kiwi Regeneration Programme, including monitoring our kiwi population, improving population data, supporting breeding and genetic work and helping develop the pathway towards future translocation.

Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to make a broader impact across our conservation operations.

You will:

- supporting our Wildlife Manager provide high-quality animal husbandry and species management across animals in our care
- support delivery and continuous improvement of our captive breeding programmes
- undertake and support kiwi population monitoring, telemetry tracking and breeding monitoring
- improve the way conservation information is collected, stored, analysed and reported
- help develop transparent, practical systems, procedures and records that support consistent conservation practice
- contribute to work planning, monitoring, reporting and conservation programme delivery




- support the development of the kiwi conservation and future translocation plan
- work alongside our Wildlife and Conservation teams to identify opportunities to strengthen day-to-day systems and processes
- maintain strong relationships with Rangitāne, DOC, conservation partners, contractors, volunteers and industry specialists
- support volunteers and project teams where required
- contribute to conservation advocacy and help our wider team tell the story of the species and conservation work happening at Pūkaha
- ensure work meets relevant regulatory requirements, best-practice standards and Pūkaha’s health and safety expectations.

The role won’t be confined to a desk or to one species. You’ll need to be equally comfortable analysing data, reviewing a process, working alongside colleagues to solve a problem and getting hands-on with the practical realities of conservation work.

What we’re looking for

We’re interested in someone with a strong grounding in conservation who is ready to bring both expertise and structure to the role.

Ideally, you’ll bring:

- a relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent practical expertise in biodiversity or conservation
- required sign-off and documentation for kiwi handling and accreditation for North Island Brown Kiwi, wild or captive work
- experience in wildlife husbandry, species management, ecological restoration or threatened-species programmes
- knowledge of captive breeding and animal population management
- strong data management skills and confidence working with databases and digital systems
- an understanding of biodiversity, biosecurity, regulatory requirements and accepted conservation practice
- sound judgement and the confidence to question,



improve and develop systems where there is a better way of working
- strong planning and organisational skills
- the ability to build effective relationships with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- a commitment to working respectfully alongside iwi and supporting the aspirations of mana whenua
- a New Zealand Driver Licence
- the physical fitness required for practical conservation work.

The person we’re hoping to find

You’ll probably be someone who sees a spreadsheet that isn’t quite working and wants to fix it.

You notice when information is being held in people’s heads rather than captured in a system. You value good records, clear procedures and consistency because you understand that, in conservation, they directly support better outcomes for the animals and ecosystems in our care.

At the same time, you’re practical. Pūkaha is a charitable organisation and we’re looking for somebody willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside the team rather than simply recommend what everybody else should be doing.

You’ll be collaborative, accountable, curious and solutions-focused, and comfortable joining an organisation that is continuing to strengthen its systems and ways of working.

Why Pūkaha?

Few conservation roles offer the variety you’ll find here.

Our 942-hectare reserve combines native forest restoration with threatened species conservation, captive wildlife management, advocacy and visitor experiences.

You’ll have the chance to make a tangible contribution to the future of our kiwi population while also helping strengthen the conservation systems that support the wider work of Pūkaha.

This is afull-time, 9/10-month fixed-term position. The position has been made possible through external grant funding.Any continuation beyond the fixed term would be dependent on Pūkaha securing further funding and cannot be guaranteed.

We operate a seven day operation so weekend conservation work will be required.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Senior Biodiversity Ranger, Kiwi – Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre – Mt Bruce (Shire of Ashburton)
🏢 Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
📍 Shire of Ashburton