Ranger/Project Lead Biodiversity (Fixed Term)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you a critical thinker with a broad range of experience planning and delivering conservation programmes?
• Run world class conservation programmes alongside a motivated and high-performing team!
• Fixed term or secondment opportunity until end of June 2025, full-time (40 hours per week) based in Te Anau, with flexible working supported.

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 Project Lead you will manage budgets, complete regular wildlife monitoring and and be involved in bigger picture planning with Senior Rangers. Our current Project Leads enjoy the autonomy to manage their own programmes, in collaboration with Senior Rangers and Supervisors.

As a Project Lead, your work will be focused on:

• Overseeing the National Wild Animal Control (WAM) long-term work programme focused on the Fiordland District Office area in Fiordland National Park
• A mixture of project management and hands-on fieldwork
• Contract management including the planning, delivery and reporting of operational projects
• Contributing to the long-term planning and strategic thinking of biodiversity conservation in Fiordland

The outgoing Project Lead is responsible for:

• Implementing the Wild Animal work plan focusing on:
  • Increasing deer control in the Murchison Mountains
  • Setting up a biosecurity plan for deer-free areas in Fiordland, namely deer free islands (Anchor, Secretary, Chalky and Coal Islands ) and the Cleddau Valley.

Having a large team gives us the flexibility to tailor work according to your specific skillset and experience. If you're unsure whether this role is right for you, please get in touch or go ahead and apply.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Most importantly we are looking for the right person to fit into our dynamic and collaborative team. Maintaining a positive team culture is one of our top priorities.

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

• Critical thinker with ability plan and deliver complex conservation programmes.
• A broad range of biodiversity field experience, including in species management.
• Great initiative and self-drive.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the ability to lead and deliver successfully in collaboration with different groups, within and outside of DOC (tangata whenua, different DOC teams, Trusts and local businesses).
• Skill in working with experts to understand technical advice, and applying and communicating technical information clearly.
• Competent working in the bush (navigation, GPS use, experience travelling off-track)
• A tertiary qualification, or equivalent experience and achievements, in conservation/ecology/biology.
• Current Full Driver's License.

Desirable

• Experience planning and delivering pest control operations to protect threatened species.

Mō te tīma | About the team

We are a team of motivated and high performing biodiversity rangers who enjoy each other's company and a collaborative work environment. We have 15 permanent staff including six Project Leads, four Senior Rangers, two Supervisors and a bunch of field ranger positions. In summer we usually employ an additional 3-4 seasonal field rangers to support our peak season. A large chunk of our fieldwork is delivered by external contractors, for example, an extensive trapping programme in the Murchison Mountains.

We're proud to have a culture of flexible working, including adapting our hours and location of work. We enjoy the autonomy and trust to work on our own projects. People in our team regularly enjoy social activities including potlucks, swapping vegetables, tramping/hunting/fishing trips and games nights.

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

The Department of Conservation /Te Papa Atawhai 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.  If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.

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.

You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan. You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.

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 Thursday, 10 October 2024

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Lydia McLean, Senior Ranger, lmclean@doc.govt.nz.

Taupānga | Job reference: 1823074