Job Opening: Biodiversity Ranger (Flora)

We are hiring!

We are looking for a new Biodiversity Ranger to join our field-based biodiversity team. We are looking for someone with the skills to implement our Seeds to Trees project on the ground, developing and executing native planting plans in coordination with our plant nursery operations. The successful candidate will also be expected to support our Building Biodiversity Project, protecting habitats from invasive weeds and predators. These projects form the Trust's habitat restoration programme, and plays a vital role in ensuring safe havens for hoiho on land. This is a field-based role supporting eco-restoration across all the sites we manage.

MAIN OBJECTIVES:

• Work to protect hoiho by rebuilding their natural environment.
• Lead tasks required to support YEPT's Seeds to Trees project.
• To weave kā mātāpono guiding principles into fieldwork operations across YEPT’s habitat restoration programme.
• Manage operational tech stack.
• Undertake tasks required to ensure YEPT compliance as landowners across all sites.
• Assist in assuring the profile of the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust remains high.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Tertiary qualification in ecology, botany, or equivalent industry experience.
• Previous experience in restoration ecology, weed management and native plant releasing and maintenance. This includes developing planting plans for habitat restoration.
• Previous experience working with and supervising contractors and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage field-based operations.
• Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence, with experience driving manual vehicles.
• Strong relationship-building skills, especially with landowners, iwi and community groups.
• Sensitivity to and knowledge of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Data skills including use of databases (trap.nz), Microsoft programmes (Word, Excel).
• Able to interpret GIS information and produce maps.
• Use of GPS (Global Positioning System).
• Right to work in New Zealand as either a citizen or permanent resident.
• No criminal convictions.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some experience in working with wildlife, especially Avian wildlife. The successful candidate will be expected to support our Biodiversity Team in other aspects of our hoiho monitoring when required.
• Previous experience with invasive predator management. The successful candidate will be expected to support our Biodiversity Team in trap management work.
• Grow Safe Certificate (or willingness to obtain same).
• First Aid Certificate (or willingness to obtain same).
• 4WD experience (or willing to obtain same).

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED:

• A commitment to Health and Safety.
• A strong commitment to conservation and the environment.
• A high level of physical fitness.
• A willingness to work unsupervised as a self-managing professional.
• A willingness to work as part of a close-knit, small team.
• A willingness to take instruction and receive feedback.
• An ability to maintain confidentiality.

This is a permanent, full-time role. We are looking for the right candidate with similar values to the rest of the team.

APPLY:

If you are passionate about native plant restoration and habitat protection for hoiho, please apply through SEEK ** ** with a CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please detail your relevant experiences and reasons why you're interested in joining the Trust. Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.

For a full job description and all other enquiries, please e-mail Dr. Wenna Yeo at manager@yeptrust.org.nz.

Applications close at 5pm, Tuesday 27th January 2026. Please note, we will be assessing applications as they are received.