Ranger, Biodiversity/Heritage and Visitors

• Carry out conservation work on a small island with a community of approximately 35 people.
• Take advantage of a range of development and training opportunities across the organisation.
• Four weeks + three days annual leave per year pro-rata, flexible working options.
• Fixed term part time: three years, 20 hours per week, Chatham Islands location.

 

 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 

 

He angitūtanga | About the role

This is an amazing opportunity for an enthusiastic person that would like to live on an island and contribute towards one of most isolated conservation projects on a populated island in New Zealand. Pitt Island is 770 km east of New Zealand's South Island and 12km southeast of Chatham Island. The rangers report to the Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands District Office.

The role is varied and covers the different components of departmental work (recreation, historic, biodiversity and community engagement). You will need to be a self-motivated person that can operate well both in an isolated environment and as part of a team.

Day to day the role includes a mix of office-based duties and field work. Practical field work can include maintenance of the Caravan Bush predator fence, monitoring of Chatham Island Oystercatchers and Chatham petrels, fencing, feral cat trapping and general maintenance of DOC assets on the island. This role may also be required to support work on the offshore islands or Main Chatham from time to time and emergency response such as marine mammal stranding and fire. The role will also support any capital investment projects as well as projects such as the Jobs for Nature Project – Pitt Island Habitat Restoration.

Successful implementation of your work programme will depend upon your ability to establish and sustain strong relationships with external and internal stakeholders. You will work in true partnership with stakeholders and the small community.

 The position will be focussed on:

• Wildlife monitoring
• Animal and plant pest control programmes including biosecurity
• Maintenance of stock and predator proof fences
• Island infrastructure and recreational/historic facility management and maintenance
• Supporting stakeholders who are or are wanting to become involved in conservation on Pitt Island
• Working with local landowners to achieve conservation outcomes on private land
• Working with treaty partners to be an honourable treaty partner and achieve shared conservation outcomes
• Depending on the successful applicant's skills and interests, there may also be opportunities to be involved in potential projects on Pitt Island, including reintroduction of black robins and eradication of feral cats

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako| Skills and experience

This appointment requires an individual with excellent interpersonal skills and a natural ability to form enduring relationships. You will be comfortable working in partnership with a broad range of internal staff, local community, imi/iwi and external visitors. You will be a practical person with a wide range of skills who can forward think and make do as getting supplies to the island can be difficult at times. 

We are looking for a responsible and reliable team player who is willing to work flexibly to get the job done.

The ideal candidate has the following skills and attributes, or a willingness to learn:

• A self-starter who is keen to support all aspects of the work programme.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confidence managing endangered species and pest control programmes.
• A reasonable level of physical fitness.
• Experience living and working in isolated locations.
• Ability to adhere to strict Health, Safety and Wellbeing systems.
• A practical background in general infrastructure maintenance.
• Proficient in the use of a wide variety of computer software programmes for example Microsoft programmes - Word, Excel and Outlook.

Required:

• Full New Zealand driver licence.
• LUV Certificate.

 

Mō te tīma | About the team

The Rēkohu/Wharekauri/Chatham Islands District Office is based in Te One and employs 15 permanent staff and a number of fixed term, casual and volunteers who come and go throughout the tear. Given that 30% of New Zealand's threatened species are found on the Chathams, the team has a focus on a broad range of biodiversity programmes managing threatened bird and plant species and increasing habitat through restoration and revegetation.

The work of the District has a large biodiversity focus- monitoring, managing and protecting threatened species, as well as maintaining our recreation and historic assets. We have a wide range of skills in the office and good support from the Biodiversity Technical Advice team. We provide the opportunity for the team to get out and about to the typically unseen areas of the archipelago to work with species found only here.

Our treaty partners are integral to our work here. The current local Treaty Settlement space is active. Moriori have recently had their Treaty Settlement enacted and an Agreement in Principle was signed recently with Ngati Mutunga O Wharekauri.

 

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:

• Flexible working opportunities suited to your role, including flexible hours
• 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 applying for this role.  

The salary range for this position is $54,314 to $69,401 pro-rata, plus the Chatham Islands Allowance, with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience. This role is a 0.5 FTE currently and could be increased depending on 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 Wednesday, 8 February 2023.

Further enquiries, contact Jenna Hoverd jhoverd@doc.govt.nz 0272478869.

Job Reference: 400/05635.