Te Papa Atawhai / Department of Conservation has two vacancies for a Ranger, Biodiversity / Heritage and Visitors based in Alexandra to cover the diverse Central Otago district.

Central Otago covers a large geographic area stretching from the Haast Pass in the west to Middlemarch in the east, Lindis Pass in the north to the Nevis valley in the south.  This large geographic landscape creates a diverse workplan and is unique for its richness of heritage assets, which provides an opportunity to develop a well-rounded skill set.   The biodiversity includes Chafer Beetles, Grand and Otago Skinks, Saline sites and Lepidium species. 

 He angitÅ«tanga: About the Role

We have two roles available and the work to be delivered includes, working closely with Senior Rangers with regards to reporting, work planning and strategy for the district.  You will be involved in contractor management for the delivery of, feral animal and weed control (including processing applications for others to carry out operations involving poisons), tree removal, mowing, road maintenance, minor construction, historic maintenance projects, covenant checks, compliance reporting and assisting with the Central Otago Wilding Conifer programme objectives. 

You will take the lead on implementing public use of newly acquired conservation land by working with DOC staff and contractors to establish infrastructure on the land.   This could include establishing a new track or a bridge, and then designing, ordering, and organising installation of all signage. 

One role will also take leadership of the delivery of work at Macraes base with a large focus on predator control (one of the largest trapping operations DOC has in the country), fencing and supporting the amenities of the rail trail.   

As a Biodiversity Ranger your projects will be split between the office and the field working on all manner of conservation projects, either in a team, on your own, or supervising contractors. Building and enhancing relationships are key to the success of the mahi that you will undertake, not only with your colleagues within Te Papa Atawhai but with iwi, hapu and whanau, landowners, contractors, and other members of the community. 

As part of the Central Otago District team, you will be supported by teams in Alexandra, Macraes Flat, Makarora and Wānaka to undertake this work and you will also work with these teams to carry out other conservation work.  As part of these roles you may be required to work outside of normal hours from time to time including being required to stay overnight away from home on occasion.

 He kōrero mōu: What we are looking for

You will be comfortable with technology with experience in project or contract management.  With your engaging and personable manner, you will be a natural leader of people and someone that has good negotiation skills.  These skills will allow you to achieve work efficiently and effectively through others.  You will be a self-starter with a natural drive to get things done.  You will be organised and motivated with the ability to plan and deliver work for yourself and others whether this be through volunteers, contractors or with other Te Papa Atawhai staff.  

You will be a problem solver who can think on their feet when things do not go to plan.  You will enjoy being outdoors working on the whenua, knowing that the outcomes are not instant, but being rewarded with changes to the environment around you over time.   

Ideally you will have some of the following:

• Current First Aid Certificate
• Current Growsafe Certificate
• Current Controlled Substance License
• Off track navigation and GPS skills
• Basic chainsaw qualifications
• Knowledge and/or experience in field delivery work
• Practical experience in pest control, threatened plants and animal populations would be an advantage including poison operations and the use of 1080
• 4x4 and LUV driving experience

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

To live in Central Otago is to have access to a spectacular place for recreation: mountains, lakes, and rivers to enjoy and explore.  There are numerous tracks to walk, tramp or mountain bike; rock faces to climb; waterways for swimming, boating and fishing, and mountains for skiing or snowboarding.

Along with recently being awarded New Zealand's most attractive employer in the public service, people like working for us because we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative work environment
• Respect, recognition, and opportunities for personal growth
• Excellent employee wellbeing initiatives including flexible working arrangements and the employee assistance programme  
• Discounted stays at most DOC huts and campsites