- Are you passionate about conservation? Want to make a difference by helping protect Aotearoa's natural environment?
- Would you enjoy a balance of office based and field delivery work within native bush, coastal and freshwater environments?
- Four weeks + three days annual leave per year pro-rata, flexible working options.
- Permanent full time, Palmerston North location.
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.
Our Palmerston North Team is on the lookout for the next Biodiversity Ranger to join our waka and contribute to our united purpose: Papatūānuku Thrives. With several work programmes across the district, the mahi is varied – everyday is different!
You could be responsible for overseeing contract management, planning, and reporting duties, as well as field-based delivery of animal pest control, community engagement, threatened species monitoring, pest plant control and assessing pest plant infestations, and other biodiversity related tasks.
Building and enhancing relationships is key to the success in this mahi, not only with your colleagues within Te Papa Atawhai but with iwi, hapu and whānau, landowners, contractors, volunteer groups and other members of the community.
Te Papa Atawhai's Regional Operations groups place high value on teamwork and cross-collaboration, meaning you'll also have regular opportunities to contribute to and support the work and innovation of other teams delivering Community, and Heritage and Visitor projects.
Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience
You will enjoy working outdoors on the whenua and in the office. You will have an appreciation that conservation outcomes are a long term goal with changes to the environment happening over time. You'll also have strong safety awareness and a willingness to contribute to a safety-first work environment and positive safety culture.
Good planning and organising skills are a must, enabling you to efficiently plan and deliver work for yourself and others, whether this is through volunteers, contractors or with other Te Papa Atawhai staff.
Confidence and capability in computer-based and administrative tasks is key in order to undertake things like application and contract writing. Above all, well-developed communication, engagement and relationship management skills, coupled with a strong willingness to engage with or upskill in Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori, will round off your profile!
Please note: Rangers can expect to spend approximately 50-75% of their time-based in the office. DOC's role in the field is often about supporting others to upskill and undertake the task.
Ideally, you will also have the following skills and qualifications. If not, our team are committed to offering training and upskilling in these areas:
- current First Aid Certificate
- current Growsafe Certificate
- current Controlled Substance Licence for vertebrate toxic agents
- off-track navigation and GPS skills
- experience in native and pest plant identification
- experience in the use of GIS systems
- experience in the use of all Microsoft office programs
- knowledge and/or experience in delivery of pest plant control
- knowledge and/or experience in the delivery of animal pest control
- knowledge and/or experience in the restoration of freshwater ecosystems
- knowledge and/or experience in managing contractors.
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
- 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.
Mō te tīma | About the team
The Regional Operations Group which is responsible for delivering conservation work on the ground through our biodiversity, recreation/historic, community engagement and visitor centre teams.
District teams are close-knit, look out for one another, and are passionate about the mahi that they do.
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 $54,314.00 to $69,401.00 pro-rata 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.
Rā katinga | Applications close at 5 pm on Friday, 26 May 2023.
Me he pātai anō | Further enquiries contact Kelly Hancock, khancock@doc.govt.nz
Taupānga | Job Reference: 400/05333
