• Exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting the two most high-profile species recovery programmes in Aotearoa – kākāpō and takahē!
• The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578, with an expected start date in early New Year.
• Permanent, full-time role working with the team based at the Burwood Takahē Centre and offshore islands in Southland & Fiordland.

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
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills across both our kākāpō and takahē species recovery programmes. You'll be delivering the hands-on mahi needed to support the conservation management of these iconic species.
We are looking for someone to join us in the New Year. Your time will be split between the Burwood Takahē Centre and various kākāpō sites on offshore islands in Southland & Fiordland. You'll have fantastic opportunities to collaborate with team members across various scientific, logistic, and advocacy functions - gaining a broad range of experience in species recovery.
For the Takahē Programme, you'll work a 5-day week be based at the Burwood Takahē Centre. This is a live-in position with accommodation provided. Your key tasks will include:

• Providing for the health & welfare of >100 breeding takahē at the centre, including bi-weekly supplementary feeding, takahē health monitoring & banding.
• Maintaining predator control across the site, including incursion response as required.
• Supporting the maintenance of the centre's infrastructure including predator fence repairs, small plant maintenance & servicing of site water reticulation systems.
• Delivering manual & spray weed control at the site.
• Supporting the establishment & maintenance of takahē populations (wild & sanctuary site) across the wider programme.

For the Kākāpō Programme, you will spend time on kākāpō islands, living and working with your colleagues in a four-week on, two-week off rotation. Your tasks will include:

• Monitoring kākāpō in the field and remotely.
• This includes health and home range monitoring, transmitter output monitoring and transmitter replacement.
• Database management and reporting.
• Other tasks include maintenance of facilities, technical equipment maintenance & logistics support.
• Delivery of the supplementary feeding programme and working with volunteers.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

• a strong interest in avian care & welfare
• practical skills with tools & facilities maintenance
• excellent communication skills and commitment to achieving team objectives
• an ability to accurately record data, and good attention to detail
• excellent planning, organisational skills and problem-solving ability
• an excellent approach to health, safety, and wellbeing
• tech savvy, and able to pick up new systems easily
• willingness to work outside of normal working hours (which may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends during breeding seasons)
• a high level of fitness with backcountry experience, including the ability to navigate steep off trail terrain
• full Driver's license, and able to drive both manual and automatic vehicles
• experience in facilities maintenance and / or general practical skills.

Desirable

• experience handling, health monitoring & banding bird species
• a current First Aid Certificate or OPHEC
• four-wheel drive and/or LUV competency.

Mō te tīma | About the team
You'll be part of the Regional Operations Team – Kākāpō Takahē, reporting directly to the Takahē Team Supervisor, and will collaborate closely with teams based in Te Anau, Invercargill, and at kākāpō sites nationwide. You'll join a tight-knit group of dedicated individuals who foster a positive team culture and strive for excellence in conservation practice.
Click here to learn more about our Takahē recover programme!
Click here to learn more about our Kākāpō recover programme!

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
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.
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 $58,816 to $66,578 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.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 6 November
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, please feel free to contact Nichollette Brown, Supervisor at 027 204 3806 or nibrown@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1825360