Nature Jobs

Aotearoa New Zealand is known for the beauty of its landscapes and weird and wonderful creatures, meaning that there are plenty of nature jobs out there for those looking to have the world’s most stunning office. From the rolling sand dunes of northland, to the lush green forests of the Abel Tasman to the towering peaks of Fiordland, there’s a whole lot to love about working outside in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Perhaps the most obvious employer for those seeking nature-based roles is the Department of Conservation. This government body is tasked with preserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage, with many of the roles involving spending time in some of the country’s most extraordinarily beautiful spots. Whether you want to work protecting marine reserves, conserving endangered species like kiwi, kākāpō and tuatara, or maintaining the tramps and huts that bring tourists flocking to the country, you’ll find all of these and more amongst the roles available from the Department of Conservation.

Another good way to find a job that allows you to enjoy Aotearoa New Zealand’s nature is to work in tourism. This industry is one of the country’s biggest earners, meaning there are plenty of tourism jobs in locations all around the country. This could involve taking people to see whales and dolphins in Kaikōura, giving tours of important sanctuaries such as Zealandia in Wellington or working on the ski slopes at destinations such as Mt. Ruapehu or Coronet Peak.

Perhaps a less obvious choice is working for one of the regional councils around the country. These bodies commonly employ ecologists, botanists and gardeners to maintain and protect natural areas within their jurisdictions, so searching for these types of roles on Trade Me Jobs could be another ticket into a nature-based job.

Finally, research roles are another way to enjoy nature. This could be a good option if you want to combine a love of nature with your academic credentials and play a part in furthering the knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand’s native flora and fauna.