Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Dive into a pivotal role that integrates strategic office work with hands-on field conservation efforts
- The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $75,603
- Permanent full-time role based in Tongariro National Park | Whakapapa Village with accommodation options available
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 primary focus of this position is to lead the Whio programme for the Tongariro District, working across nearly 150 thousand hectares of the varied landscapes of Tongariro National Park and surrounding public conservation land. You will be working with an experienced and dedicated team of Biodiversity rangers based at Whakapapa and Ohakune, all focused on protecting the flora and fauna of this remarkable region. The wider DOC Tongariro team includes a group of likewise dedicated teammates looking after huts and tracks, public safety, public access and engagement.
The position will be focussed on:
- Whio Programme Leadership: Lead and coordinate the district's whio conservation programme, ensuring the protection and recovery of this threatened species
- Partnership and Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with local whānau, hapū, and iwi partners to develop and implement conservation strategies that respect traditional ecological knowledge
- Ecosystem Protection: Become a guardian of vulnerable flora and fauna, implementing targeted conservation initiatives including threatened plant and fauna monitoring, tracking tunnels and BMI assessments
- Integrated Pest Management: Lead comprehensive pest control operations, including shooting programmes, utilising key techniques to manage invasive species and support native ecosystem recovery
- Habitat Restoration: Spearhead forest rejuvenation projects through strategic weed management and landscape-scale predator control
- Community Engagement: Support engagement with local iwi and community groups to advance their conservation aspirations
- Project Delivery: Ensure the successful execution of conservation work plans with meticulous attention to detail, maintaining high standards while managing budgets and timelines
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:
- A great team leader with the ability to plan and deliver work for yourself and others
- Contract management, project coordination, planning and reporting skills
- Sound knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- High level of physical fitness and ability to work in backcountry locations, often staying away for up to a week
- Whio & Kiwi monitoring and handling experience/qualifications
- Tertiary qualification or equivalent in ecology, biology or environmental sciences would be an advantage
- Remote bush skills and experience, including compass and GPS use
- Sensitivity and knowledge of Māori culture/tikanga and the Department's responsibilities to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi under section 4 of the Conservation Act
- Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision and alone on a day-to-day basis
- Animal pest trapping experience and ability to plan trapping operations
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Health and safety knowledge, experience and processes
- GIS mapping software knowledge and experience
- Full New Zealand Driver's Licence
- Excellent work ethic and ability to learn
- First aid certification
- Growsafe certification
- Firearms licence
- LUV & 4WD experience
- Controlled substance licence and approved handlers
- Rafting experience and qualifications
- River safety skills and qualifications
- Helicopter experience
Even if you don't tick all the boxes but believe your skills and experience closely align, then we still encourage you to submit an application.
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.
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 $60,314 to $75,603 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.
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 1 July 2025
Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Dan Van der Lubbe, Supervisor, dvanderlubbe@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1866971