Supervisor Biodiversity Monitoring

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Are you a natural organiser who loves working with others and coordinating teams and large work programmes?
• Looking for an interesting new challenge that offers the chance to contribute to conservation and the protection of New Zealand's unique natural environment?
• 4 weeks + 3 days annual leave per year, flexible working options
• Permanent, full-time role based in Hokitika
  
  

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 Biodiversity Monitoring Team is looking for an exceptional new Supervisor to lead the delivery of biodiversity monitoring work. You will supervise and manage a large team of approximately 15 field staff, predominantly undertaking tracking tunnel work from South Westland all the way up to Kahurangi National Park and into Lewis and Arthurs Passes.

You will be one of five Supervisors nationwide and will be required to work closely with your colleagues to coordinate the delivery of field operations across the country. As part of a national team, you may also have responsibilities that extend beyond the location where you reside. The role is highly supported, with another biodiversity monitoring supervisor onsite, an experienced returning team, and heaps of wrap around support planned throughout the season.

The position will be focussed on:

• planning and organising work programmes
• supporting staff and undertaking Monthly Operating Reviews (MORs)
• managing field trips logistics
• leading recruitment and induction of new team members
• collaborating with other teams in DOC, as our work supports conservation programmes across the organisation.

This permanent, full-time role is largely office based, but there will be opportunities to undertake backcountry fieldwork.

During the field season, the field team's trips run for 10–12 days, followed by four to six days off. The supervisor is expected to be available after regular working hours to serve as the point of contact for the team. The roster for this role can be flexible to align with the trip schedules or follow a standard Monday to Friday work week, or a mix of both.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

If you have some of following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Great communication skills, intuitive emotional intelligence
• The ability to get on with people, as well as supervise and lead a team, with Health and Safety as a priority
• Excellent planning and organisation skills, attention to detail
• Ability to respond and adapt to changing circumstances when organising field programmes
• Good backcountry skills
• Good level of physical fitness
• A range of monitoring experience
• Be prepared to spend time away from home
• Be prepared to be available after hours to manage field operations
• Computer skills with confidence in Excel and Word
• Full NZ Drivers Licence

Specialist skills and experience within a few of the following areas is desirable:

• Bird identification, preferably 5 minute bird counts
• Animal pest monitoring, preferably ungulate pellet counts, possum chewcards and SMI tracking tunnels
• Plant identification, preferably experience in 20x20 plots
• Data management and reporting skills
• Contract and/or project management skills
• Experience in managing and leading large field programmes.
• A tertiary qualification in science or natural heritage management.
  
  

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Biodiversity Monitoring Team (BMT) is a national team with bases in Palmerston North, Rotorua, Hokitika and Invercargill and delivers biodiversity monitoring services throughout the country, collecting data that provide Operations with evidence for sound decision making and enable DOC to meet its national and international reporting obligations.

The following weblinks provide some insights into the kind of work the team's field operations contribute to:

• https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/monitoring-and-reporting-system/
• https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2018/04/20/biodiversity-on-your-doorstep/
• https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2017/12/24/hunting-for-native-mistletoe-this-christmas/
  
  

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.

The salary range for this position is $79,656 to $100,639 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: 11:59 pm on Monday, 10 March 2025

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Kat Pett, Biodiversity Monitoring Manager, at kreynolds@doc.govt.nz  

Taupānga | Job reference: DOC/1844871