Ranger Community (Statutory)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you passionate about conservation and sharing knowledge? If you have a transferable skillset, attention to detail and are process orientated, apply now!
• The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $75,603- flexible working supported
• Permanent, full-time role-based in Whakatipu-wai-māori/Queenstown.

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

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai  (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.

Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whānau, hapū and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.

Tō tātou taiāo. Tō tātou hītori. He tāonga tūturu nō Aotearoa. Maioha rawatia. Poipoia rawatia. Tukua. Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Community Ranger, your primary focus will be safeguarding conservation values by managing and assessing applications for activities on Public Conservation Land.  While the Role Description focuses on advocacy, your main responsibilities will be statutory based, with some opportunities for community engagement.

In this role you will:

• Process one off permits from start to finish, including pre-application meetings, assessing the activity against statutory documents, writing recommendation reports and permit conditions to manage impacts on conservation land.
• Collaborate with team members across the Department to understand conservation values and how these may be impacted by an activity.
• Provide input on long term permits, Resource Management and Crown Pastoral Land Act processes, detailing affected conservation values and recommending measures to minimise impacts.
• Monitor commercial or private activity on public conservation land to ensure compliance.
• Work closely with iwi, gathering their advice and integrating their perspectives into land use decisions.
• Build and maintain relationships with local communities and stakeholders.
• Provide administrative, liaison and advocacy support to community led projects that seek to achieve conservation and recreation outcomes.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking a critical thinker with strong communication skills and a passion for conservation.

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

• excellent communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely using plain English, to provide context, critical analysis, and logical recommendations for decision makers
• critical thinker with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, and management documents
• strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, capable of fostering effective relationships
• a proactive mindset with excellent organisational skills, and ability to prioritise competing demands
• willingness to engage with external stakeholders, attend meetings, and conduct site visits
• proficient IT skills, comfortable using database systems
• experience working within a statutory framework, compliance, regulatory space, or a similar process-based environment
• a valid full drivers' license

Desirable:

• a good understanding of te ao Māori me ngā tikanga
• experience in working with and partnering with statutory authorities, community groups, iwi or business groups
• experience and/or tertiary qualification in communications, legal, or ecology
• knowledge of the Whakatipu-wai-māori/Queenstown area.

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Regional Operations Group is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our biodiversity, recreation/historic, community  and visitor centre teams. 

You will be based out of the Whakatipu-wai-māori/Queenstown office at Arthurs Point. You'll be part of a dynamic and hard-working team of 7. We are a close-knit team who are passionate about the mahi we do. We support one another and enjoy wider team bonding, with great connections with the Biodiversity team (trap checks anyone?) and the Heritage & Visitor team (let's get out on the trails!). 

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

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 do 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.

Expected Start Date: Late January/ Early February 2025

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 24 November 2024.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Fiona Peat, Supervisor at fpeat@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1829509