Ranger (Predator Control) at Department of Conservation, Warkworth

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Be part of a team protecting New Zealand's rarest native bird
• Work outdoors in beautiful locations across Auckland and Northland
• Salary ranges from $58,816 - $66,578 depending on relevant experience and skills
• Full time, permanent role based in the DOC Warkworth office

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.

He angitūtanga | About the role

The Tara iti team are a dedicated group of Rangers who work to save the Tara iti/ New Zealand Fairy Tern from extinction. Controlling the populations of predators such as rats and mustelids is an important contribution to the survival of this taonga species, which has fewer than 45 individuals left. Your work will be crucial to the long-term recovery of the Tara iti, and this role offers a rare chance to join this team and make a difference.

As our next predator control Ranger, you will be responsible for carrying out predator control operations throughout Auckland and Northland. Your work will focus on controlling predator species at the breeding, nesting and feeding sites of the Tara iti, as well as general program operational support. 

The position will be focussed on:

• Trapping and baiting, using both kill-traps and live-capture (leghold) traps
• Using TrapNZ to record and manage data
• Maintenance of trail camera network around predator control sites
• Occasional support for firearms operations to control predators
• Trapline maintenance, clearing and repairs
• Equipment maintenance
• Supporting pesticide operations
• Operational support for the wider team as required

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Working knowledge of different types of traps including DOC series, SA, legholds, including how to maintain them
• Experience setting up and running bait station lines with pesticides
• Knowledge of the ecology and biology of predator species including rodents and mustelids, with a focus on how to recognise each species and their preferred environments.
• Experience laying traplines
• Knowledge of TrapNZ or similar GPS/ GIS software, and experience using it in the field
• Experience working in New Zealand's back country, especially at coastal sites
• Ability to work with others and independently
• Full New Zealand drivers' licence
• Ability to drive a manual vehicle, including off-road
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work

Desirable:

• Current First Aid certificate
• Experience working in New Zealand's back country
• LUV qualification e.g. NZQA or similar
• 4-wheel drive qualification e.g. NZQA or similar
• Familiarity with trail camera technology
• Experience using kayak or canoes.
• Growsafe certification – Basic or Standard
• Firearms license
• Geneal knowledge of and interest in shorebird conservation in New Zealand

Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to apply.

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.

We support flexible work arrangements for our kamahi who are working in a wide variety of roles and locations across Aotearoa. Flexible options will be considered based on your role and in discussion with your leader.

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 $58,816 - $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.

Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role. 

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 20^th July. Depending on the volume of applications we received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your applications as soon as possible.

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Kate Sparks, Supervisor at  ksparks@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1871071