Conservation Jobs NZ

Conservation jobs offer a world of diverse and meaningful opportunities that allow you to make a positive impact on the environment and wildlife.

Perhaps the most obvious example of a nature-based career in Aotearoa New Zealand is with the Department of Conservation (DOC). DOC has been at and around the top of the list of the nation’s ‘most attractive employers’ for years, and for good reason. There’s a huge diversity of roles with DOC, including ranger jobs that get you out in the field doing hands-on conservation work to policy analyst jobs that seek to enshrine conservation efforts into law.

Regional councils offer another route into conservation jobs. Many councils in Aoteraoa New Zealand employ ecologists, environmental scientists and wildlife experts to help them preserve and protect the natural flora and fauna within their district. Many of these roles allow you to get out and about conducting studies of the local area, and communicating the benefits of conservation to the local community.

Conservation jobs also encompass positions in environmental education and outreach. As an environmental educator, you'll play a crucial role in raising awareness about conservation issues and inspiring others to take action. Whether through school programs, community workshops, or public campaigns, you'll be empowering individuals to become active stewards of the environment.

For those with a background in science and research, conservation jobs in the realm of environmental science and ecology may hold appeal. In these roles, you'll conduct studies and gather data to better understand ecological processes and the impacts of human activities on the environment. Your research will contribute to evidence-based conservation strategies and inform decision-making to address environmental challenges. With a number of highly regarded tertiary institutions in Aoteraoa New Zealand, as well as dedicated conservation facilities such as Zealandia in Wellington, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in conservation research.