Auckland Council is on the hunt for 14 student rangers to join the regional parks team for a three-month paid internship this summer.

Applications open Friday 9 August for students who have recently graduated or are currently studying conservation, environmental management, landscaping, recreation, tourism or other relevant areas who want to gain valuable on-the-job experience in Auckland’s most beautiful office.

“The internship is the perfect summer job for students who are environmentally aware with a love of the outdoors,” says Auckland Council’s Regional Parks Manager Rachel Kelleher.

“Auckland’s regional parks are part of a network of more than 4000 parks and reserves, which are much-loved destinations for Aucklanders and visitors to the region. Summer is a particularly busy time for our regional parks with an influx of visitors and holidaymakers, so student park rangers play a key role in supporting our team and helping people make the most of Auckland’s beautiful regional parkland.

“The ideal candidate needs to have good people skills and be keen to get stuck into a hands-on job where no two-days are the same,” she says.

Student rangers will assist with customer service, bylaw enforcement, weed and pest control, kauri dieback management, nursery work, farming, track maintenance and machinery handling.

Valuable experience

Erica Paterson says her experience in the role last summer was a great way to get some practical training following the completion of her Bachelor of Science degree.

“We received training on a range of things, including First Aid, LUV and 4WD driving, conflict resolution, wildlife monitoring and working with livestock.

“I really enjoyed how diverse the job was and getting outdoors every day was definitely a perk. I’m now contracted as a ranger at Ōmana Regional Park and hope to become a permanent ranger in the near future,” she says.

Keen to apply?

From Friday 9 August, visit careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information and to apply. Applications close 12pm, Friday 30 August.