Ranger Biodiversity

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you someone who loves the outdoors and is passionate about conservation in New Zealand?
• Do you have proven ability for organising and delivering work?
• Permanent, full-time role based in Geraldine.

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

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

The Geraldine/Raukapuka Operations team has an exciting opportunity available for a self-motivated but team focused person to join us as a Biodiversity Ranger.

As a Ranger, Biodiversity you will be joining our talented Biodiversity team of six permanent rangers and up to six fixed term rangers carrying out critical natural heritage conservation work programmes across the district which could include large scale predator trapping projects for the protection of braided river birds (wrybill and black fronted tern), white bellied skink and bittern/marsh crake, as well as woody weed control primarily in the Ō Tū Wharekai wetland restoration project.

You will be actively working across a range of different projects including:

• animal and plant pest control programmes; Ecosystem restoration
• threatened species management
• iwi and public engagement.

Your day-to-day work will take you across the district, carrying out biodiversity work programmes on and off public conservation land, according to work plans.

Your skills and experience in natural heritage work will be of great help to others and your work will include teaching, coaching, supporting and/or overseeing Rangers, community groups and volunteers doing conservation work in the field.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We're looking for someone with a natural heritage or conservation management qualification. Alternatively, you will have 3-4 years' experience in the practical management of threatened plant and animal populations and the execution of pest control operations, or specialist experience/qualifications in either freshwater, pest control or threatened plant and animal populations. You will be comfortable working in the field or in the office and want to make a difference for conservation in South Canterbury.

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Strong health and safety focus.
• Growth mindset.
• Knowledge of plant and animal control methods.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail and commitment to achieving team objectives.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances when organising work programs.
• Physically fit and willing to work in the field when required.
• Good back country skills.
• A current full New Zealand driver licence.
• Ability to interpret GIS information, produce maps and use hand held GPS devices and/or smart phone apps.
• Comfortable representing the department with externals (iwi, community groups).
• Contract management.

Desirable:

• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Current Light Utility Vehicle and/or 4WD vehicle qualifications.
• Current Growsafe Standard Certificate.

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

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

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.

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 overs the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Friday, 31 January 2025.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Shane Pemberton-Reid, Supervisor, at spreid@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1835268