Ranger/Project Lead Biodiversity (Wild Animal Control)

• Lead the field delivery of high‑impact wild animal control work, combining expert hunting with project delivery.

• Salary: $68,878 to $87,265.

• Permanent, full-time role, based in Hokitika.

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

This role is based in the Hokitika District Office. The role will involve supporting the Wild Animal Control programme lead to plan, organise and manage wild animal control across the Western South Island Region.

This ground and aerial control work may be delivered by staff or contract hunters but is currently primarily delivered by contractors. Whilst the current focus is goat control, other ungulate control work may fall under this role as the programme evolves.

The responsibilities of this 2-person team are split between a Programme and Project lead. The Programme lead is responsible for the overall management of the programme, including planning, contractor procurement, scheduling, financial management and reporting.

The Project Lead role is responsible for ensuring and overseeing the delivery of the work. You will work closely with contractors (or staff) to ensure delivery of the programme outcomes. This role is a hands on, collaborative and strategically focused senior hunting role. You will set the standard in the field, coordinate people and resources, and ensure delivery is safe, efficient and effective. Your role may involve hands-on delivery of ground (and potentially aerial) hunting but is mostly about ensuring delivery by others.

This is an exciting role with huge potential for the right person. You must be able to work independently and as part of a team. Being highly self-motivated, an effective communicator and collaborative is critical. The role may include 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.

The position will be focussed on:

• Leading the field delivery of ground hunting and aerial control operations

• Monitoring contractor safety, compliance, and performance

obligations

• Supporting the planning   of Wild Animal Control projects

• Contributing to budget oversight and financial reporting  

• Coordinating field teams, contractors, and technical specialists

• Developing an expert understanding of each operation to inform operational planning and drive improvement

• Leading data quality assurance and management processes

• Leading firearms safety for the district

• Identifying risks and resolving issues early.

Click here for the Role Description

Click here for the Applicant Information Sheet

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking a candidate with high emotional intelligence who can navigate complex interpersonal relationships. The ideal candidate maintains composure under pressure, proactively manages team conflicts, and leads with empathy and authenticity to foster a positive, productive work environment.

If you have the following, we are keen to hear from you:

• Current NZ drivers licence

• Current firearms licence

• Project and contract management experience

• Proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and GPS technology

• Good understanding of Microsoft suite of applications, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook.

• Ability to lead and coordinate field teams

• Passionate about hunting with strong ground hunting skills and experience hunting ungulates

• Experience with training dogs, particularly hunting dogs

• High level of physical fitness and extensive backcountry experience

• Confident working independently in remote terrain year round

• Comfortable working in remote backcountry environments for extended periods

• Strong health, safety and risk management focus

• Excellent communication, teamwork and relationship building skills.

Please note we expect the successful applicant to be willing to bring on, own and train an ungulate indicating and/or bailing dog.

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | 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.

Tonoa inaiānei | 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 during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $68,878 to $87,265 with the starting salary of the successful applicant 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 whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 16 February.

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries, please contact David Soper, Principal Ranger, at [email protected]