Ranger Biodiversity (Fixed term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Te Anau; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A government conservation agency in Te Anau is seeking a Field Delivery Leader for a 2.5-year fixed-term role focused on maintaining pest-free islands in Fiordland National Park. The ideal candidate will have backcountry experience and strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include managing pest control operations, ensuring safety standards, and collaborating with teams. A competitive salary range of $65,070 to $75,981 is offered along with a commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Ability to navigate off-track in remote settings.
• Experience in monitoring, team leading, and reporting.
• Current first aid certificate and full NZ driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Leading field teams in pest control operations.
• Planning and implementing work plans for animal pest control.
• Maintaining documentation and data related to pest control.

Skills

Backcountry experience

Practical problem-solving skills

Ability to work in a team

High level of fitness

Education

Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in conservation management

Tools

GPS data capture

GIS applications

Job description

Does the idea of working on maintaining pest-free or pest-limited islands in Fiordland National Park interest you? Are you skilled at field delivery and passionate about sharing your skills and knowledge with others? This is a full-time, 2.5 year fixed-term role based in Te Anau.

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.

About the role: We’re looking for an experienced person to join our close-knit team. The work requires both field and office skills with responsibility for leading field teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Planning and effectively implementing work plans for animal pest control operations.
• Maintaining relevant documentation and data.
• Handling toxin during aerial and ground-based pest control operations.
• Servicing predator traps.
• Reporting on animal control operations.
• Providing day to day field supervision of employees and contractors (Team Lead for multi-day fieldwork)
• Actively working with the Supervisor & Principal Rangers for resource needs and scheduling.
• Collaborating with Project Leads to manage budgets.
• Developing successful relationships across the motu with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring health & safety standards are adhered to and fit-for-purpose

The work schedule will mostly be Monday-Friday however there will be some longer field trips. For example, 10-day trapping trips in Dusky and Doubtful Sounds happen regularly in the Fiordland Islands work programme. You will need to have the ability to work overnight in the backcountry, often solo. Work plans for multi-day trips will be scheduled in advance, however flexibility is required with the weather.

Requirements:

• Backcountry experience, with a high level of fitness and experience navigating off-track in remote settings.
• Ability to work successfully as part of a small team and independently.
• Practical problem-solving skills, the ability to think on your feet and use initiative.
• Ability to plan and organise work programmes, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Experience in monitoring, team leading, and reporting.
• Experience managing data and the ability to use and adapt to new technology.
• Current first aid certificate and full NZ driver's licence.
• A strong commitment to health and safety and ability to promote this culture among colleagues.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in aerial and ground-based pest control poison operations.
• Experience with island biosecurity and quarantine.
• Experience using traps.
• Helicopter experience.
• Current firearms license.
• Growsafe certificate.
• Competent using a variety of computer applications which will include GPS data capture in the field and GIS applications.
• Tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in conservation management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori

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.

Apply online 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 $65,070 to $75,981 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.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 6 October. For further enquiries, please contact Elicia Milne at [e-mail] or [phone]