Ranger, Biodiversity (Hunter)

• Do you have lots of practical skills and a passion for hunting?
• Would you like the opportunity to work on the rugged West Coast controlling ungulates?
• We are looking to fill two full-time, permanent positions based in Hokitika

 

Hokitika is centrally located on the West Coast, it is approximately 3.5 hours' drive north to Karamea, 3.5 hours south to Haast and 3 hours' drive to Christchurch. There is a wealth of outdoor activities and an extensive backcountry hut/track network to explore with over 140 huts in the region. The area has a rich history of hunting with a range of species to choose from. The area spans a wide range of habitat types from beech forest to the north and south, mature lowland podocarp forest in the more western regions with large areas of mixed broadleaf and of alpine country. The backcountry has extensive alpine areas, with a lot of the country being big, rugged, and captivating, being a lot friendlier on the eyes than it is on the legs.

 

Toitū te marae a Tāne-Mahuta, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive 

 

Te Papa Atawhai, Department of Conservation (DOC) serves to protect and sustain nature across Aotearoa. We put nature and people at the heart of our mahi, guided by te reo Māori, te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We do this by: 

• Protecting land, species, ecosystems, and cultural heritage for conservation purposes 
• Managing threats and adverse impacts 
• Being a voice for conservation 
• Connecting people to nature 

 

He angitūtanga | About the role

These positions are primarily focused on implementing the region's ungulate control program. The work will include carrying out ungulate control operations and time away working in the field. Work is mostly carried out with the use of indicating and bailing dogs. The hunting team is based in Hokitika but is a regional team covering the whole Western South Island region. The role also includes helping the wider team with other operations work as required. These duties will likely include trap checking, weed control, track maintenance, species work and assisting with other operations work.

We are looking for someone able to demonstrate exceptional decision-making skills in remote backcountry settings, with knowledge of terrain, weather interpretation, animal behaviour, and firearms safety.

Hunters are required to work with indicating and/or bailing dogs, with a single hunter working as a team with 1-2 dogs per handler. Backcountry trips usually have hunters based at the same camp but hunting separately while working.

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a hard worker who enjoys working independently in a challenging field environment to deliver quality conservation work. We want to hear from you if you have:

• a passion for hunting
• previous experience hunting ungulates with a dog team is desirable  
• a high level of physical fitness and experience in the back country
• good practical hunting skills, including firearm use and hunting with or without dogs
• GPS/data management experience
• comfortable working in remote backcountry for extended periods, all year round no matter the weather
• an ability to work independently and as part of a team
• excellent communication and relationship building skills
• strong health and safety focus
• strong teamwork and interpersonal skills

 

Please note, applicants must hold a current New Zealand driver licence and firearms licence. We expect the successful applicant to be willing to bring on, own, and train an ungulate indicating and/or bailing dog.

 

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Operations Group is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our biodiversity, heritage and visitors and community engagement teams. This role is within the Biodiversity team, comprising of a team of around 10 staff. The wider team includes another 10 permanent staff as well as a few fixed term positions. The district has important biodiversity values including a whio security site in nearby river catchments and plant and animal pest control programmes.

 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What's in it for you?

Te Papa Atawhai is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve, creating an inclusive workplace culture, supporting the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and lifting our cultural capability. We encourage our people to bring their authentic self and unique perspectives to work, in pursuit of our collective aspirations. Our commitment to well-being and professional development includes:

• Career development, secondment and training opportunities to help you realise your goals
• Study assistance in programmes that are relevant to your work
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and discounted medical insurance
• Great discounts on DOC accommodation and outdoor apparel and gear so you're ready for your next adventure
• Te Pukenga Atawhai – Cultural Capability Development Programme

 

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

Apply online via the DOC Careers Centre with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai.  

The salary range for this position is $54,314 to $69,401 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. 

 

Applications close at 5 pm on Monday, 13 February 2023 

For further enquiries contact David Soper, Supervisor, on 027 571 1403 or at dsoper@doc.govt.nz

Job reference: DOC/1692634