Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
- Does the idea of working across a diverse landscape including alpine, tussock grasslands and bush environment appeal to you? If so, the beautiful Te Manahuna Twizel District is calling you!
- Our Biodiversity team is looking for a Ranger to plan, lead and implement weed control in a range of unique ecosystems.
- Full time, permanent position based in Twizel.
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.
Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
As a Biodiversity Threats Ranger your focus across the district will be implementing weeds control in a range of ecosystems including alpine, tussock grasslands, large scale contiguous forest ecosystems and other significant natural and protected areas within the district. The work requires both field and office skills and involves field-staff supervision.
Tasks may include but are not limited to:
- Weed control management, including the use of herbicides, manual removal, mechanical control, scrub-bars, chainsaws, and biological control methods.
- Supporting the District Leadership team with resource planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
- Providing day-to-day supervision of field staff, volunteers or contractors as required.
- Maintaining and reviewing weed control plans and spray diaries, and completing timely reports (including annual summaries and recommendations for future seasons)
- Undertaking Outcome Monitoring for the Site-Led control programs in the district.
- Inducting relevant staff to agrichemicals use and storage, ensuring the chemical shed meets agrichemical standards, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are up to date.
- Maintenance and procurement of PPE and equipment
- Navigating, managing, and processing data in WeedsGIS.
- Monitoring iNaturalist reports and weeds sightings across the district.
- Developing successful relationships across the Department and with external stakeholders.
Ensuring health & safety standards are adhered to and fit-for-purpose
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
The successful applicant must be experienced in a wide range of weed inventory, surveillance, and control. The successful applicant will have:
- Proven experience working successfully as part of a small team
- Ability to plan and organise work and resources over a programme of work and meet required timeframes
- Ability to identify both native and invasive plant species, and a sound knowledge of native plants and plant ecosystems, including floral ecology
- Ability to prioritise weed control and apply appropriate control methods, including sound knowledge of herbicide use for different weed species
- Experience in monitoring, managing, and reporting on weed control operations
- Computer-literate, including experience using Microsoft Suite and GIS applications
- Practical problem-solving skills, the ability to think on your feet and use initiative.
- A strong commitment to health and safety and the ability to promote this culture among colleagues
- Physically fit and capable of working in rugged environments
- Valid drivers licence
- Growsafe and First Aid certification (current or expired).
Desirable:
- Tertiary qualification in relevant field
- Experience and/or qualifications in working with chainsaws, 4WD vehicles and other field-based equipment
- Experience using scrub bars and trailers
- Helicopter experience
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori.
Mō te tīma | About the team
The team in Twizel is a committed and passionate group, highly invested in protecting and promoting the unique biodiversity of the beautiful Te Manahuna/Mackenzie region. They are welcoming and always willing to share their extensive knowledge.
Twizel is a great place to live – as well as being part of the Aoraki Dark Sky area, it is surrounded by majestic mountains on all sides, and lakes in every direction. The successful applicant will be able to truly achieve that elusive work-life balance and will be spoilt for choice with skiing, water sports, cycling, tramping, fishing or hunting all on our doorstep.
He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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 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.
Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, 30 June
Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, contact Hayley Catlow, Supervisor, at hcatlow@doc.govt.nz
Expected Interview Date: week commencing 14 July
Te tohutoro tūranga | Job reference: DOC/1865509