Ranger, Freshwater Pests and Migratory Fish Species at Department of Conservation, Geraldine

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Ranger specialising in freshwater pests and migratory fish species.
• Contribute towards our ambition to contain and halt the impact of freshwater pests, and ensure the security of four migratory fish species; longfin eel/tuna (Anguilla dieffenbachii), shortjaw kōkopu (Galaxias postvectis), īnanga (Galaxias maculatus), Lamprey/Kanakana/Pirihau (Geotria australis).
• This is a permanent role, 40 hours per week, based out of Geraldine.

 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 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

As our Ranger, Freshwater Pest and Migratory Fish Species, you will lead the Department's freshwater biosecurity and migratory fish work for our Eastern South Island Region. You will be responsible for planning, delivering and reporting on the freshwater pest and migratory fish (four species) work programmes. 

Working in this role, fostering, and maintaining effective and long-term relationships is essential to success. You will be working with key external partners including iwi, hapu and whānau, landowners, contractors, volunteer groups and other members of the community as well as internal stakeholders in the department.

You will be based out of Geraldine, however, travel is an essential part of this role and is required around DOC's Eastern South Island region to complete the mahi. As a result, having a full New Zealand driver licence is mandatory.

The position will be focussed on:

• planning and delivery of freshwater biosecurity work throughout Canterbury
• planning and delivery of work programmes that support populations for four native migratory fish species
• working with whānau, hapū and iwi to understand their freshwater values and taonga species.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are keen to hear from you if you have the following skills and attributes:

• a passion for applied freshwater conservation with a minimum of three years' specialist/practical expertise in freshwater species management, freshwater biosecurity, habitat restoration and/or resource management (a relevant tertiary qualification is desirable)
• experience with the planning, delivery and reporting of operational projects and effectively managing multiple pieces of work
• excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills,
• ability to work with ambiguity
• willingness to travel
• current full drivers licence required
• proven ability to successfully deliver projects in collaboration with Tangata Whenua and a range of partners
• demonstrated skill in working with experts to understand technical advice and matauranga Māori
• a work style that focuses on driving and maintaining momentum

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Ranger will be one of 13 Freshwater Rangers located across the country and working on Freshwater Biosecurity and Freshwater Migratory Fish. They are supported by North and South Island Freshwater Coordinators and the Freshwater Science and Technical Teams.

The Operations Group is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our biodiversity, recreation/historic, community engagement and visitor centre teams. 

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

Te Papa Atawhai 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 well-being and professional development includes:

• flexible working opportunities suited to your role
• 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
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme.

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 $62,535 to $79,906 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.

Applications close at 5 pm on Tuesday, 14 February 2023.

Further enquiries, contact Ian Fraser ifraser@doc.govt.nz

Job Reference: 400/08246