Ranger – East Taranaki Environment Collective About us East Taranaki Environment Collective – ETEC is a community led conservation initiative administered by the East Taranaki Environment Trust. Our office is based in Inglewood, with our project area covering Purangi, Matau and Okoki. Our mission is to protect the ecosystem and biodiversity in East Taranaki. Our approach to restoring the ecosystem and increasing native biodiversity of our 18,000 hectare community project is through the control of invasive pest species. Our predator work consists of over 1300 DOC200 and 600 DOC250 traps targeting mustelids, and over 1000 resetting traps (A12s and A24s) that target rats and possums. The Trust uses a combination of toxins and kill-traps to reduce the target pest populations. Our pest operations, through our trap network, toxin operations and goat control, provide a place for kiwi, kokako, long-tailed bats and other native species to thrive.
ETEC takes a science-based approach to conservation work, by using several indicator species to demonstrate the effectiveness of our pest control programmes. While pest control is at the core of our work to restore the ecosystem, we monitor kiwi, kokako, and other species to indicate whether we are successfully reducing predation rates on these species.
Position summary To work within our conservation programme which aims for ecosystem restoration in east Taranaki. A large focus of this programme is on pest control to help restore the habitat and protect native species, as well as monitoring key indicator species such as kiwi, kokako, and other wildlife. This role will work closely with our wider team to help achieve our goals. This is a physically demanding position working in rugged terrain. It includes species monitoring, trap checks, track maintenance, toxin operations, education and advocacy, and working with our volunteers. This will include some weekend work.
As a key member of our small tight knit team you will help:
Undertake the required work for kokako including monitoring. Undertake the required work for kiwi, including acoustic recorder monitoring. Undertake other native species monitoring as required such as lizard tracking tunnels, bat acoustic monitoring, and 5 Minute Bird Counts.Undertake pest monitoring work including camera trapping, tracking tunnel, and wax tag monitoring and analysis to provide regular updates on population trends. Undertake, monitor, and manage pests within the project area – primary focus is on rat, possum, and mustelid control at present. Check and maintain a variety of traps including DOC200s, DOC250s, A24s, A12s, Warriors, SAs, F-Bombs, and Victor mouse traps. Undertake ground-based toxin operations.Track and amenity / infrastructure maintenance. Community engagement – Working with our volunteer base and help with our education projects. The successful applicant will: Be physically fit.
Have experience with pest control and biodiversity work.
Have experience working with volunteer groups.
Have an understanding of animal pests, their impacts, and control methods.
Have knowledge and experience in various threatened fauna population monitoring techniques.
Be familiar with relevant Health and Safety requirements.
Have an interest in New Zealand conservation.
Be able to work in a team and independently.
Skills and Qualifications Experience in rugged country.
ATV and 4WD experience would be an advantage.
Relevant tertiary qualifications would be an advantage.
Full NZ drivers licence.
Report writing and data management skills.
Applications Applicants must be honest and reliable.
All expressions of interest should include a cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role and accompany CV.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 18th November 2024 For further enquiries, contact Kat Strang at [email protected]