• Are you passionate about protecting Aotearoa's natural ecosystems
• Would you thrive in an exciting role with a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities?
• Permanent, full-time role based in central Otago.
• While this role is currently based in Wanaka, the main district office is expected to relocate to Cromwell, and this role may be based there in the future.

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 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
The Central Otago team is seeking a highly motivated person to join their biodiversity team, to help implement important biodiversity terrestrial work in the wider Central Otago area.
Central Otago covers a large geographic area stretching from the Haast Pass in the west to Middlemarch in the east, Lindis Pass in the north to the Nevis valley in the south. This large geographic landscape creates a diverse workplace, which provides an opportunity to develop a well-rounded skill set.
This role is predominantly office-based but also includes many responsibilities across a diverse range of fieldwork. As the Ranger, Biodiversity you will be responsible for the implementation of a wide range of key biodiversity work programmes within the Central Otago area. You will build successful relationships with iwi, community groups, local government and other stakeholders to enable key biodiversity work to be undertaken in the area and beyond.

This position will be focused on:

• planning, executing and reporting on the district's weed and threatened plant programme
• leading the district's field teams on weed control projects using all available methods e.g. herbicide application and mechanical methods
• leading the district's field teams on threatened plant management
• coordination with Otago Regional Council, Queenstown Lakes district Council, OSPREY, and LINZ staff and weed Technical Advisors on weed projects and issues
• coordinate and leading staff and volunteers. Occasionally leading community groups
• create and assist with formulation of work plans
• planning, executing and reporting on the district's pest animal management programme
• Writing and assessing pest management applications
• undertaking pest animal control, using pesticides, and mechanical control methods
• assisting with threatened fauna species work
• undertaking island biosecurity (quarantine, surveillance, and incursion events)
• undertaking logistics for field-based work.
• Undertaking monitoring and reporting on covenants
• Working on maintenance of tracks buildings and other assets in the district
• Producing capital fencing bids and agreements

This is a permanent, full-time, Monday to Friday role. On occasion, you will be required to go on multi-night trips including in the backcountry.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will be a self-starter who can adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive outlook and enjoys collaborating within teams. You will be physically fit with a drive for learning and continuous improvement, coupled with the initiative and resourcefulness to research and resolve issues.
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• a strong background in plant identification and weed/threatened plant management with proven field-based skills for delivering weed and pest control projects
• a tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in science or natural heritage management
• comfortable with leading teams, both staff and volunteers
• has sound computer skills (at least proficient with Microsoft Office)
• a sound level of written and verbal communication skills
• ability to regularly work away from home on scheduled work trips at remote sites is essential
• a current NZ Class 1 drivers' licence (Minimum requirement -must have restricted licence).

Desirable:

• basic chainsaw and scrub bar experience or unit standards
• proficient in the use of GPS
• Growsafe Certification
• First Aid Certification
• four-wheel drive and Light Utility vehicle (LUV) unit standards
• an understanding of Te Ao Māori as it relates to conservation and experience in working with tangata whenua.

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 $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.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 15 September 2024.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact James Speirs, Supervisor Biodiversity at jspeirs@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1814048