Ranger Biodiversity (Fixedterm)

Exciting opportunity to make a real impact on the conservation of the Toroa / Northern Royal Albatross!
The salary range for this position is $60,314 to $75,603.
Full time, fixed term or secondment opportunity from January 2025 to December 2026, based in Dunedin. Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa. Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature spaces and species across Aotearoa.
Tangata whenua are inextricably linked to the whenua and te taiao, and we desire a future where whanau, hapu and iwi can thrive in their role as rangatira and kaitiaki.
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity for someone experienced in wildlife monitoring, breeding season management and bird handling to join our talented team and carry out critical biodiversity conservation work.
The main focus of this role is to lead the planning and delivery of work to protect toroa / northern royal albatross. You will be the team leader for this work programme which includes carrying out day-to-day monitoring, management and husbandry of toroa during their eleven-month breeding season, as well as managing the Te Papa Atawhai / DOC field base at Pukekura Taiaroa Head.
This work is in partnership with Te Poari a Pukekura, the collaborative management board consisting of representatives from Korako Karetai whanau, Te Runaka o Otakou, Dunedin City Council and Te Papa Atawhai, working towards the goals in the Pukekura Reserves Management Plan.
The role also oversees the work plan of the Te Papa Atawhai team (including two part-time rangers) and works closely with Otago Peninsula Trust and staff at the Royal Albatross Centre.
You will be expected to be part of and promote a culture where health and safety is integral to successfully achieving the work.
You will be required to organise materials and equipment for programmed work, lead or work with other team members and supervise volunteers.
Your ecological experience and skills in natural heritage work will be required together with a strong team ethic. The team at Pukekura Taiaroa Head is highly collegial, despite the fact that staff mostly work on different days and some tasks involve working alone.
The role also includes animal pest and weed control, supporting other species conservation programmes, responding to call outs involving protected species and marine mammals, and any other tasks to support the priority work of the Coastal Otago District.
The toroa / northern royal albatross work programme operates seven days a week. Your core hours are 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday (eight hours each day). Flexibility is required as factors such as the weather can change the priorities of the work. At critical times of the toroa breeding season (December to March), there is a requirement to work on Public Holidays and during the toroa hatching period (three weeks in January to February) the team operates a roster to cover 12 hours each day.
While you will work no more than 40 hours per week, there is a requirement to vary your start and finish days and times during the hatching period only. These days and times will be agreed on a pre-arranged roster with the rest of the team.
Skills and experience: We require an experienced, knowledgeable and reliable team player, who is hard-working and enthusiastic and will contribute successfully to the Coastal Otago Operations team.
If you have some of the following, we are keen to hear from you:
Experience working with and building successful relationships with iwi, whanau and hapu as well as community groups, local council, organisations and individuals to grow conservation.
Specialist knowledge and experience in the practical management of terrestrial species and ecosystems, including animal husbandry skills (artificial egg incubation, chick health checks etc).
A valid New Zealand driver's licence.
A natural heritage or conservation management tertiary qualification.
Experience as a team lead and the ability to work successfully as part of that team.
Strong health and safety focus and experience leading the health and safety of others.
Sound knowledge and experience in conservation field delivery work.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to tailor your approach to suit different audiences.
Proficiency in the MS Office suite of programmes, data management and reporting.
Desirable: Bird banding skills, experience with technology such as GIS and GPS, Growsafe certificate, first aid certification.
Please note: a high level of experience in a comparable field is required for this role as you will be expected to draw upon your skills and experience to get up to speed quickly.
The toroa breeding season has already begun.
About the team: The Coastal Otago Operations Team is based in Otepoti / Dunedin and forms part of the Southern South Island Region. It consists of 27 permanent staff and is led by the Operations Manager. Prioritising and scheduling work is co-ordinated by three Supervisors and three Senior Rangers (who, along with the Operations Manager, make up the District Leadership Team). The Operations team leads conservation in the District by working with others to protect biodiversity, enhance recreational opportunities and grow community involvement in conservation.
A key focus of ours is to strengthen our working relationship with Ngai Tahu and give better effect to our Treaty partner responsibilities.
As a part of this team, and working closely with Runanga, community groups and volunteers, there are many opportunities to contribute widely across the District's work programme.
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.
Apply now: Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible. 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.
You are encouraged to discuss secondment opportunities with your manager. Secondments should offer the opportunity to build capability in line with your development plan.
You must seek the support of your line manager (minimum Tier 4) in writing before applying for a secondment opportunity and attach it to your application.
Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory; this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.
Due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday 2 December.
For further enquiries: please feel free to contact Jim Watts at ****** or 027 567 4661 quoting vacancy 400 / 09342.
Job reference: 400 / 09342

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