• Exciting new position to lead the recovery of White-Bellied Skink.
• Make a key difference for conservation outcomes in New Zealand.
• Full-time, 18-month fixed term role from 20 January 2025 to 29 June 2026, based in Geraldine.

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.
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
We have an exciting new position for a Ranger Project Lead Biodiversity to lead the recovery of White-Bellied Skink (Oligosoma hoparatea) a large, nationally critical skink that is endemic to the district. The species is known from four tiny and declining populations and the key task is to protect the largest population through a landscape scale predator control programme. Well established pest control tools are being tested in a new environment and for a highly sensitive species and this role requires someone who can monitor and adapt the programme to ensure recovery.
You will be leading a new project for the protection of critically endangered white-bellied skink. The position will be focussed on:

• project management of White Bellied Skink project
• project management of infrastructure to support the project (field accommodation)
• budget management
• reporting
• pesticide operational applications
• day to day staff management
• predator monitoring using trail camara grids
• white bellied skink monitoring using pit fall, G minnows and visual search
• servicing and maintenance of kill traps
• bait station installation and servicing for control of mice
• data capture management and analysis.

This is a full-time, 18-month fixed term role starting on 20 January 2025 and ending 29 June 2026. You will work five days a week, Monday to Friday, with an expectation of some time spent staying overnight in the field.

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

• Project management.
• Critical/analytical thinking to measure recovery of skinks and adjust management as required.
• Ability to build networks and keep up to date with new/improved tools to improve project outcomes.
• Data curation and analysis.
• Budget management.
• Ability to respond to changing conditions.
• Staff management.
• Back country experience.
• Able to lead and work within a team.
• Time management.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.

Desirable:

• Experience in handling and management of lizard species.
• Pesticides experience (including preparation of applications and consultation with stakeholders).
• First Aid Certificate.
• 4x4 and or LUV NZQA.
• Predator trapping experience.

Mō te tīma | About the team
The Geraldine/Raukapuka team consists of 20 permanent staff that are assisted by five+ temporary staff over the summer months. The Geraldine District extends from Alp's to ocean with the Rakaia River in the North and the Waitaki River in the south encompassing a myriad of ecosystems, flora and fauna. This role is primarily based in the Geraldine district office with some work in the back country with limited communication and an expectation of staying at site in a back country hut type accommodation.

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 $68,535 to $86,423 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 overs the whole period of employment.
Recruitment agencies: please note, due to high volumes we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 18 November 2024.
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Tony Preston, Operations Manager, tpreston@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1828724