Ranger Marine Protection (Diver) x2

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting our coastal ecosystems?
• Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
• Salary ranges from $68,535 to $86,423 depending on skills and experience
• Two permanent, full-time positions based in Mahurangi | Warkworth

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.

Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand's first marine park and only national park of the sea. Covering 1.4 million hectares, it's more than 20 times the size of Lake Taupō and includes the Waitematā Harbour, Gulf Islands, Firth of Thames, and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Renowned as the seabird capital of the world and a vital whale superhighway, this marine park is intensively used and located right on the doorstep of our most populated city.

Find out more: https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/revitalising-the-gulf/new-marine-protections-in-the-hauraki-gulf/

The proposed Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill aims to establish 19 new marine protection areas, to enhance the Gulf's marine health along with existing marine reserves. This bespoke legislation will be the first of its kind in Aotearoa and is part of the broader Revitalising the Gulf programme.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Marine Protection Ranger, you will focus on compliance, biodiversity monitoring and marine operations. We have two positions available for skilled divers with skipper experience and an interest in compliance.  You will come with a valid diving qualification, a certificate of competence (CoC) for occupational diving to the level of a certificate of competency for occupational scientific diving valid in New Zealand and you will play a key part in protecting marine biodiversity, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations, and maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems. 

The position will be focussed on:

• Ensuring adherence to marine protection laws and regulations through patrols, inspections, compliance, and engagement.
• Conducting scientific surveys, assisting with ecological assessments, collecting data and contributing to biodiversity monitoring planning.
• Working collaboratively with treaty partners, local communities and marine users to promote protection and sustainable marine practices
• Responding to environmental incidents, supporting emergency operations and assisting with compliance investigations.
• Maintaining accurate records, preparing professional reports to deadlines and high standards. and issuing of infringements, warnings or documentations for prosecution.

These roles require travel, so flexibility is essential to work away from home for several days when needed. Rosters operate from Wednesday to Sunday year-round, with potential flexibility between June and September.

Key soft skills we're looking for include:

• Attention to Detail: Ability to assess underwater environments, detect ecosystem changes, and identify compliance issues like pollution or damage.
• Excellent Communication: Strong coordination skills for efficient team operations and accurate reporting.
• Patience & Persistence: Ability to remain focused during lengthy inspections and data collection tasks.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Willingness to adjust dive plans based on changing conditions, with availability on weekends and public holidays.
• Critical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills to interpret data and make safety-compliant decisions.
  
  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Key skill sets include:

• Current scientific diving qualification (CoC for occupational diving in New Zealand).
• Experience in boat operation (professional or recreational).
• Advocacy/compliance experience.
• Physically fit and approachable.
• Able to pass a medical health and eye test.
• Proficient in advanced diving techniques, including buoyancy control, navigation, and underwater communication.
• Commercial diving skills (inspection, assessments, equipment maintenance).
• Experience in environmental monitoring (marine habitat, water quality, sediment analysis).
• Strong scientific diving skills (data collection, marine conservation, sampling).
• Knowledge of safety, risk management, and emergency procedures.
• Underwater photography and videography skills.
• Expertise in marine compliance, species identification, and pollution control.
• Decompression procedure knowledge.
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities.
• Current Full NZ Driver License
• Ability to work away from home for several days when required

Desirable Skills:

• Tertiary qualification or equivalent expertise in marine or environmental science.
• Skipper's licence or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience in marine compliance
• Strong understanding of marine protection regulations.
• Passion for marine conservation and sustainability.
• Experience in law enforcement/compliance or ability to obtain a compliance warrant.
• A passion for Te Papa Atawhai's Kaupapa is essential as well as understanding of Māori Tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese and Te Reo is highly desirable

If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the revitalisation of the Hauraki Gulf, we want to hear from you!

Join us in making a difference for our marine environment and the communities and species that depend on it.

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 $68,535 to $86,423 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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 2 March 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Molly Hicks, Supervisor, mhicks@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1844168