Ranger Biodiversity (Freshwater)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Align your passion with your mahi by protecting and restoring Central Otago's unique freshwater biodiversity.
• The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $75,603.  
• 3-year fixed term, full time role based in Alexandra.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

He angitūtanga | About the role

In this role, you will lead the planning and delivery of vital work to protect Central Otago's freshwater biodiversity. This includes a strong focus on non-diadromous galaxias species—many of which are threatened with extinction. Alexandra, centrally located within this biodiversity hotspot, will serve as your base, with your mahi focused on waterways in the Central Otago district.

Your work will involve planning, delivering, and reporting on freshwater biodiversity programmes, including species surveys, monitoring, and habitat management. You'll provide advice on freshwater conservation within statutory processes such as the Conservation Act and RMA, while also ensuring our Treaty partnership is actively recognised and upheld.

Collaboration is central to this role. You'll work closely with Regional Council as well as iwi, DOC colleagues, landowners, and community groups to develop and implement conservation initiatives. Strong communication and planning skills will be essential in prioritising and managing an annual work programme effectively.

Fieldwork is a significant component of the role, requiring travel to remote and often rugged locations. A full New Zealand driver's licence is mandatory, and multi-day stays in the backcountry may be necessary to complete key conservation work safely.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with a passion for conservation and the ability to inspire others to engage in conservation projects. If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• A full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Ability to work in partnership with various stakeholders, the regional council and iwi, hapū and whānau.
• Understanding of threatened fish conservation in Otago.
• Experience with electric fishing and freshwater conservation, including sampling and monitoring methods.
• Competence in outdoor work, with proven experience in remote backcountry environments.
• Strong planning and organisational skills for both field and office-based work
• Proficiency in MS Office, data management, and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

Desirable:

• Experience with GIS, GPS, and other conservation-related technology.
• 4WD qualification.
• First aid certification.
• Knowledge of conservation compliance and relevant National policies (e.g., NPS-FM, RMA, Crown Pastoral Land Act).

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We're working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $75,603 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on 26 February 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Marie Kealey, Recruitment Advisor at mkealey@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1842367