Exciting new position to lead the recovery of White-Bellied Skink.
Make a key difference for conservation outcomes in New Zealand.
Full-time, 18-month fixed term role from 20 January 2025 to 29 June 2026, based in Geraldine.
Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa | Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa
The 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.
Our nature. Our history. It's New Zealand's unique legacy. Enjoy it. Enrich it. Pass it on.
He angituatanga | About the role
We have an exciting new position for a Ranger Project Lead Biodiversity to lead the recovery of White-Bellied Skink ( Oligosoma hoparatea ), a large, nationally critical skink that is endemic to the district. The species is known from four tiny and declining populations, and the key task is to protect the largest population through a landscape-scale predator control programme. Well-established pest control tools are being tested in a new environment for a highly sensitive species, and this role requires someone who can monitor and adapt the programme to ensure recovery.
You will be leading a new project for the protection of critically endangered white-bellied skink. The position will be focused on:
Project management of White Bellied Skink project
Project management of infrastructure to support the project (field accommodation)
Budget management
Reporting
Pesticide operational applications
Day-to-day staff management
Predator monitoring using trail camera grids
White-bellied skink monitoring using pitfall traps, G minnows, and visual search
Servicing and maintenance of kill traps
Bait station installation and servicing for control of mice
Data capture management and analysis
This is a full-time, 18-month fixed term role starting on 20 January 2025 and ending on 29 June 2026. You will work five days a week, Monday to Friday, with an expectation of some time spent staying overnight in the field.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
If you have some of the following skills, we are keen to hear from you:
Project management
Critical/analytical thinking to measure recovery of skinks and adjust management as required
Ability to build networks and keep up to date with new/improved tools to improve project outcomes
Data curation and analysis
Budget management
Ability to respond to changing conditions
Staff management
Backcountry experience
Able to lead and work within a team
Time management
Full New Zealand driver licence
Desirable:
Experience in handling and management of lizard species
Pesticides experience (including preparation of applications and consultation with stakeholders)
First Aid Certificate
4×4 and/or LUV NZQA
Predator trapping experience
Mo te tima | About the team
The Geraldine/Raukapuka team consists of 20 permanent staff that are assisted by five+ temporary staff over the summer months. The Geraldine District extends from Alps to ocean with the Rakaia River in the North and the Waitaki River in the south, encompassing a myriad of ecosystems, flora, and fauna. This role is primarily based in the Geraldine district office with some work in the backcountry, with limited communication and an expectation of staying at site in a backcountry hut type accommodation.
Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | 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 inaianei | 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 do let us know.
The salary range for this position is $68,535 to $86,423, 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.
Recruitment agencies: please note, due to high volumes, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.
Rakatinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 18 November 2024.
Me he patai ano | For further enquiries, contact Tony Preston, Operations Manager, ******
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