Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is on a mission to transform Aotearoa/New Zealand’s wild places by removing pest animals and we are well-positioned to do so, building on our established reputation as predator free ‘doers’.

We are seeking a Field Ranger to join our growing tīma (team) in a full time capacity.  

The role is based in Franz Josef, with opportunities to travel and work in beautiful and remote places of the South Island. We also have an opportunity with our team in Twizel.


Te Tūranga/The Position

You will be part of a team based in Franz Josef tasked with delivering and maintaining elimination of predators in these landscapes.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

  • Working and navigating off track. Crossing rough terrain on foot, carrying a pack of up to 15 kg.

  • Working in a small team for up to 9 hours a day during all seasons, with exposure to wind, rain, sun and snow.

  • Setting traps, handling toxins, and humanely euthanising wild animals.

  • Sharing your observations and collecting high-quality data from the field site.

  • Using hand and power tools. Loading equipment to and from vehicles, including helicopters.

Read the role description.


Ngā Pūkenga me te Wheako/Skills and Experience

  • Willing and able to spend long hours working alone in rough terrain and challenging conditions.

  • Comfortable sharing accommodation with a small team if required, and willing to contribute to cooking and cleaning duties.

  • Comfortable and willing to work in a dynamic work environment. Able to adapt plans as priorities and conditions change sometimes at short notice. This may be a change of task, location or hours.

  • Experience and confidence in engaging with people and groups of various backgrounds.

  • Openness to exploring and understanding landowners concerns to find solutions to deliver PFSW.

Our mahi is with small, close-knit teams and are seeking individuals whose values align with ours to help maintain and promote our strong team culture and shared conservation mission.

 

Mō Mātou/About ZIP

A not-for-profit organisation that celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, ZIP has grown from an ambitious start-up established by the NEXT Foundation and the Department of Conservation to a credible, highly capable independent company of 90 passionate practitioners, scientists, engineers and enablers.

Most of our current mahi is focussed in the rainforests of South Westland, the drylands of Aoraki/Mount Cook, on Rakiura/Stewart Island and assisting in the urban environment of Predator Free Wellington. We are ready to accelerate into the next phase of growth and therefore need to scale the size of our team accordingly. For more information on our achievements to date, visit zip.org.nz.


Te ahurea o te Tima/The Team Culture

People – our team, conservation partners and other stakeholders – are always our number one priority, without exception. We are caring, connected, empowered and innovative.

ZIPs team culture is about prioritising wellbeing, health and safety, and building strong internal connections. We value open communication, shared ownership, and supporting each other to meet challenges and achieve our conservation mission.

 

How to Apply

Applications close:          4 weeks or until a suitable candidate is found

Apply:                                   Via Seek

Salary band:                       $48,880.00 - $68,000.00

Accommodation and food can be supplied as part of your salary package if required. 

All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Please apply online. We will be accepting applications until midday on Friday 16th January 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

For more information, please email your questions to careers@zip.org.nz, providing your name and a contact phone number.