Ranger

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Passionate about protecting te taiao, working with rare native species and partnering with whānau, hapū, iwi and others to achieve conservation outcomes?
• How would you like to live and work in one of Aotearoa's stunning National Parks?
• Permanent, full-time role based in Nelson Lakes.
  
  

Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa  | Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa

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

Enjoy breath-taking scenery, getting up close and personal with some of our rarest native species, and support a range of flora projects across the district. 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 work plans, in the Nelson Lakes District alongside our Treaty partners. The work is varied, and we actively look to see that staff are involved across all work programmes, and the one thing you can guarantee is that it will be in an outstanding landscape.  

This role will be focused on:

• working within pest (plant and animal) control operations, threatened plants and key native species work with a scientific focus
• providing innovative biodiversity research and information that is applied across the country
• supporting our whānau, hapū and iwi partners and wider community stakeholders with information and outcomes.

This permanent full-time role is primarily field-based, with some time spent in the office, and partakes in a rotational weekend roster. Rental accommodation may be available for the successful applicant.

Additional information about this role can be found in the Applicant Information Sheet.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for someone who is keen to deliver on our conservation goals, and has strong communication skills, both verbal and written. You'll be physically fit and comfortable traversing mountainous terrain. A demonstrated willingness to learn and engage with mana whenua will be the key to your success in this role.

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

• Have proven skills and experience in biodiversity work in particular, animal and plant pest management including wetland, alpine and forest restoration programs.
• Planning and organisational skills. Attention to detail, reporting and commitment to achieving team objectives are a must.
• Experience with on the ground plant and animal pest control, in particular the use of herbicides, toxins, trapping.
• Previous experience working both solo and as part of a team in sometimes rugged and remote terrain. High level of physical fitness is required.
• Full New Zealand Drivers License
• Excellent communication, leadership 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.

Desirable:

• Qualification in either Conservation, Ecology or Biology
• Growsafe Certificate and/or Controlled Substances License Certificate
• Current first aid certificate
• Competent with Microsoft Office suite, GIS and other systems
• Knowledge and understanding of Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori and/or experience with working with mana whenua
• Firearms licence, boat skipper training, NZQA Fire training and experience

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 applying for this role. 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.

The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that overs the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 12 March 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Ricki Mitchell, Supervisor, at ramitchell@doc.govt.nz

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1845148NL