Lead Ranger Boats

Rare opportunities don't come along every day; this is your chance to use your maritime experience to skipper the Hananui
- 4 weeks + 3 days annual leave per year
- Permanent, full-time role based on Stewart Island/ Rakiura.

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

Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation (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
Your day-to-day mahi will be strongly self-managed and will include a mix of administrative, maintenance and field work to support the role and team.
Your role will involve all aspects of boat operation and maintenance to Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) standards and in compliance with the Department's Maritime Transport Operator Plan. You will be required to manage and maintain the vessel to ensure an excellent condition, manage all logbooks, check sheets and other recording systems and biosecurity in relation to the vessel. You'll also be required to provide ongoing support, supervision and training for all skippers and crew as required.

**Other day to day work may include**:

- maintaining and managing the office, workshop, yard and vehicles
- maintenance and bookings for three small vessels and checks to ensure they require MOSS and Department of Conservation Standards.
- management of the Fuel Store ensuring HSNO requirements are met
- supporting conservation outcomes around the Rakiura and Southland coastline
- assisting local iwi with work on the Titi Islands
- work towards better conservation outcomes in partnership with iwi
- assisting the wider team as required

The hours of work are generally 08:00 to 16:30, however due to changes in weather and tides you may be required to start or finish outside of these times.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will have a natural affinity and confidence handling boats in exposed environments and display sound judgement and command skills. You will be a people person who displays the ability to ensure the boat passengers are safe and comfortable. You are adaptable and flexible and aware that plans change from one day to the next and willing to work with the team to get the mahi done.
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:

- minimum commercial skipper qualifications - SRL endorsed to 24 metres, or Ring-fenced legacy ticket equivalent or higher.
- comprehensive knowledge of the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) and vessel maintenance and operating requirements
- sound understanding of all applicable legislation, including Maritime Rules, Coastal Plan, Pollution Regulations, Marine Mammal Regulations
- sound judgement of weather and sea conditions
- logístical management skills and experience in maritime operations
- ability to train and supervise staff
- critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and ability to use your initiative
- good administrative skills, with the ability to learn new systems and processes easily
- the ability to effectively and positively engage with iwi/hapu/whānau

**Desirable**:

- local knowledge of the waters around Rakiura and the Southern South Island coastline
- an affinity with te Ao Maori

Mō te tīma | About the team
You will report directly to the Operations Manager and join an expanding team currently consisting of 4 skippers. You will be an integral part of the wider Rakiura team who cover Biodiversity, Heritage and Visitors, Community, and the Visitor Centre.

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:

- DOC rental accommodation is available
- 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

The salary range for this position is $62,535 to $79,906 with the starting salary of the successful applicant b