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 Dunedin.

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, you'll be part of an energetic and hard-working team safeguarding conservation values by managing and assessing applications for activities on Public Conservation Land and building and maintaining community relationships. While the Role Description focuses on advocacy, your main responsibilities will be statutory based, with some opportunities for community engagement.  

In the role you will:

• process permit applications for activities such as guiding, filming, aircraft activity, grazing and easements and assessing their impact on conservation values
• provide high quality input on Resource Management and Crown Pastoral Land Act processes, including describing affected conservation values and recommending outcomes to avoid or minimise effects on these values
• monitor commercial or private activity on public conservation land
• provide authorisations, administrative, liaison and advocacy support to projects that seek to achieve more conservation through greater involvement of iwi, business, and the wider community
• Work closely with iwi, gathering their advice and integrating their perspectives into land use decisions.
• work collaboratively with District, City and Regional Councils, and sector and statutory partners

• liaise with team members throughout the Department to understand and incorporate their technical knowledge, and support the Operations Manager to fulfil their role as Decision Maker for these processes
• build and maintain quality relationships with the community and support the engagement work of the district, including Wild Dunedin and Conservation Week events

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

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

You'll enjoy engaging with the community and building relationships with volunteer groups, iwi/hapu/whanau, and businesses to achieve good outcomes for conservation.  You will be happy getting out of the office occasionally to engage with external stakeholders, deliver engagement work and undertake site visits and assist the wider team with conservation work as required.  

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

• critical thinker with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, and management documents, and make recommendations
• 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
• 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
• current full driving licence.

Desirable:

• experience in conservation in our region or a degree in a related field.
• experience working within a statutory framework, compliance, regulatory space, or a similar process-based environment
• experience and/or tertiary qualification in communications, legal, or ecology
• an understanding of te ao Māori me ngā tikanga

Mō te tīma | About the team

As part of the Coastal Otago Operations team, you will work with a team who are passionate about the work they do, have a culture of inclusiveness and continual improvement with support for each other at the core.

You will be part of the dynamic Dunedin Office with staff from all parts of DOC and a culture that many envy.  Dunedin is a great city in which to live and has the services and social life of a much larger metropolitan center. Ten minutes' drive in any direction will take you out of the city into some beautiful country. There are great opportunities for social, cultural, and sporting involvement and the beaches, mountains and rivers provide exciting opportunities for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

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 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 interview dates are Friday, 13 December or the week commencing 16 December

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 5 December

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Daniel Jephson at djephson@doc.govt.nz or  027 224 0371

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1831824