Ranger Project Lead Biodiversity at Department of Conservation, Takaka

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead various projects to better manage our threatened species.
• Permanent, full-time role based in Tākaka.
• Be part of a passionate team contributing to NZ's longevity.

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive 

Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by:

• protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes,
• managing threats and adverse impacts,
• being a voice for conservation,
• connecting people to nature.

He angitūtanga | About the role

We have a unique opportunity for a self-motivated and passionate conservationist to join our Takaka team as a Ranger, Project Lead in a permanent, full-time position. 

In this role, you will be a senior member of the Biodiversity team where you will be responsible for leading the planning, management, delivery and reporting of biodiversity fauna projects and outcomes in the Tākaka District.  

Tākaka is home to a variety of vulnerable fauna species including birds, lizards, marine mammals, fish and invertebrates. 

This role will focus on;

• monitoring a range of species and undertaking data analysis of gathered information as well as handling and assisting in translocations,
• work with technical advisors to scope and develop monitoring protocols for species where there are currently undefined survey methods, or where management priorities have changed
• provide team leadership and guidance to junior staff,
• organize and lead back country trips over multiple days,
• support the planning and implementation of our district compliance programme and subsequent investigations,
• get involved in the wider biodiversity duties and programmes as needed, such as pest plant and predator control operations and emergency response for fire and marine mammal strandings. 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have the following attributes we are keen to hear from you: 

• a tertiary qualification in Ecology and experience with species monitoring and data analysis,
• excellent communication and leadership skills,
• biodiversity experience with experience in handling fauna,
• outstanding planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail and commitment to achieving team objectives,
• backcountry experience, high level of physical fitness and competence in rugged and remote terrain and be prepared to stay away from home for three to five days in the backcountry as required,
• technology savvy skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office suite, GIS, R and other systems,
• strong health and safety work practices and able to promote this culture among colleagues, 
• commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in true partnership with others across DOC, with local whānau, hapū and iwi, and external stakeholders, 
• a high level of independence along with experience working alone in the field as well as the ability to lead and coach a team. 

Desirable: 

• current First Aid Certificate,
• experience in emergency marine response,
• cultural capability awareness and/or experience engaging with iwi, hapū and whānau,
• demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori. 

Mō te tīma | About the team  

The Takaka District team is made up of 26 permanent staff working across Heritage and Visitor, Biodiversity and Community. The team increases to approximately 30-35 over the summer period to meet the work demands. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

DOC is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to wellbeing and professional development includes:

• flexible working opportunities suited to your role,
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – cultural capability development programme,
• Te Kāwai Aho Tapu – internal Māori network,
• career development, secondment, and training opportunities to help you realise your goals,
• study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work,
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance,
• great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre 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 $66,535 to $83,906 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 5 pm on Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries: contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, leyoung@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1746682