Science Technician (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking a Science Technician to support biodiversity research projects across New Zealand. This role involves fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration with teams to enhance conservation efforts. Ideal candidates will have strong ecological skills and experience in challenging environments.

Benefits

Opportunity for professional development

Inclusive and diverse work culture

Qualifications

• Strong ecological fieldwork and planning skills.
• Experience with tracking tunnels and trail cameras.
• Ability to work in remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Support biodiversity conservation research projects.
• Field delivery of research on pest control methods.
• Collate and analyze scientific datasets.

Skills

Ecological fieldwork

Planning skills

Team collaboration

Education

Postgraduate qualification in conservation ecology or related field

Tools

Tracking tunnels

Trail cameras

GPS

Job description

• Support and undertake scientific research for DOC's biodiversity research programme.
• 2x fixed term until June 2026, salary $68,535 - $86,423
• Bring your passion for conservation management to our team at DOC
  
  

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 spaces and species across Aotearoa.

He angitūtanga | About the role

As a Science Technician, you will support implementation of Te Papa Atawhai DOC's biodiversity conservation research programme by working on projects investigating the predatory ecology of rodents and cats and testing the efficacy of control tools for protecting native flora and fauna. You will join the team responsible for how we deliver ecological outcomes and pest control across the whole of Aotearoa.

The position will be focused on:

• Field delivery of research to evaluate aerial cereal bait 1080 as a control tool for kiore, ship rats, Norway rats and feral cats on Rakiura
• Developing and collating a scored photo library of tracking tunnel cards to train an AI classifier.
• Classifying trail camera images of cats to an individual level based on markings.
• Field delivery of research to compare the outcomes for rock wren from various pest control methods.
• Leading the planning and delivery of logistically complex field trips to remote locations for extended periods to undertake research.
• Collating and preliminary analysis of large scientific datasets.
• Providing updates on projects to relevant internal and external stakeholders
  
  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with strong ecological fieldwork and planning skills that they can apply to lead field teams undertaking research in challenging locations, highly experienced in identifying pest species on tracking tunnel cards and trail camera images and most importantly, a team player who thrives working in leading small teams in remote locations.

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

• High level of experience with tracking tunnels, trail cameras and trapping of rodents (advantageous)
• Skilled in backcountry fieldwork, including operating comfortably and safety in steep alpine terrain, map reading, GPS, and navigation (advantageous)
• Willing and able to travel and work in remote locations for extended periods of time (advantageous)
• Excellent hearing and able to identify birds present in NZ by call (advantageous)
• Proven track record of working effectively in small teams in remote locations (advantageous)
• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in conservation ecology or a related science field
• Experience in managing field teams and research projects
• Thrives implementing logistically complex tasks, knowledge of statistics and modelling for research design and data analysis (an advantage)
• Good planning and organisational skills, including managing time and resources across projects
• Effective communicator, able to write updates for key stakeholders
• Awareness of Māori-Crown relationships; experience working with Te Ao Māori practices is a plus
• Full New Zealand Drivers licence
  
  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Landscape Threats Science Team are part of the Terrestrial Biodiversity Unit, which work collectively with the National Predator Control Programme to achieve biodiversity outcomes at scale across Aotearoa.

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.

The salary range for this position is $68,535 - $86,423 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience. We require the successful candidate to start immediately.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā katinga | Applications close Tuesday, 3 June 2025 at 11:59pm

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Rebecca Fonoti on [e-mail].

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1858884