Ranger Biodiversity

Are you passionate about protecting te taiao, working with rare native species and partnering with whānau, hapū, iwi and others to achieve conservation outcomes?
- Take advantage of a range of development and training opportunities across the organisation
- 4 weeks + 3 days annual leave per year, flexible working options
- Permanent full time, Nelson Lakes location

**_Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata_**

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

**He angitūtanga | About the role**

How would you like to live and work in one of Aotearoa's stunning National Parks? Enjoy breath-taking scenery and get up close and personal with some of our rarest native species.

Te Papa Atawhai DOC has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join us as a Ranger within our close-knit Biodiversity team based in the beautiful Nelson Lakes National Park. You will be supporting the growth of significant conservation opportunities, and the delivery of Biodiversity engagement work plans, in the Nelson Lakes District alongside our Treaty partners.

Your core focus will be leading or supporting current and future pest control operations with a scientific focus, providing innovative biodiversity research and information that is applied across the country. The role includes a good mix of office and field work and partakes in a rotational weekend roster. You will support our whānau, hapū and iwi partners and wider community stakeholders with information and outcomes. You'll also contribute to other areas of exciting biodiversity mahi, including Kiwi translocation and Kea threat mitigation.

**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**

You will be keen to deliver on our conservation goals. Your strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to think strategically and act operationally will be important to support the work of our district. You'll be physically fit and comfortable traversing mountainous terrain. Your experience with engaging with mana whenua or demonstrated willingness to learn and engage will be the key to your success in this role.

**In addition, if you have the following skills we would love to hear from you**:

- Have proven skills and experience in biodiversity management in particular, animal and plant pest management including wetland, geothermal and forest restoration programmes
- Outstanding planning and organisational skills, with experience leading complex projects. Attention to detail, delivery within budget and timeframes, reporting and commitment to achieving team objectives are a must.
- A practical working knowledge of plant pests /general plant identification skills.
- Experience with on the ground plant and animal pest control, in particular the use of herbicides, toxins, trapping.
- Experience in the practical management and monitoring of species and ecosystems.
- Previous experience working both solo and as part of a team in sometimes rugged and remote terrain. Moderate to high level of physical fitness is required and ability to navigate in dense forest is essential.
- The ability to work in true partnership with others across DOC, with local whānau, hapū and iwi, and external stakeholders.
- A strong focus on continuous improvement and the ability to enhance organisational performance
- Full New Zealand Drivers Licence
- Excellent communication, leadership and contract management skills and the ability to manage work priorities.
- A strong commitment to exceptional health and safety work practices and able to promote this culture among colleagues.

**Desired**:

- Qualification in either Conservation, Ecology or Biology desirable but not essential
- Operational planning for animal pest operations training
- Growsafe Certificate and/or Controlled Substances Licence Certificate
- Current first aid certificate
- Proven high level experience with Microsoft Office suite, GIS and other systems.
- Proven experience working with and supporting community Conservation Groups
- Cultural competency and/or experience with working with mana whenua is desirable
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori is an advantage
- Chainsaw competency and experience
- Boat skipper training and experience
- NZQA Fire training and experience
- Compliance training and experience
- Kiwi handler accreditation

**Ko ngā hua | What we offer**

We take pride in enabling our people to bring their unique perspectives to mahi, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

- Accommodation options available for rent
- Fantastic local tramping, mountain biking and hunting spots, and conveniently close to a ski field
- Close-knit community, with local community sports clubs and wellbeing classes available
- Flexible working options where applicable
- DOC perks: Free accommodation in our backcountry huts