Operations Lead Wild Animals (Tahr)

• Make a conservation impact while working on high-profile work that supports biodiversity outcomes through management of Himalayan tahr. 
• Connect with diverse stakeholders including iwi, hunting groups, government agencies, and DOC teams nationwide. 
• Salary range between $80,695 - $101,951 depending on skills and experience 
• Permanent, full-time position based in Ōtautahi Christchurch or Raukapuka Geraldine 

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

He angitūtanga | About the role 

This is a truly unique opportunity to lead delivery of the mahi in our Biodiversity National Programmes Unit; the Unit is responsible for supporting and delivering complex, broad-scale conservation work on the ground through specific programmes of work. 

This role works within the Wild Animals team which focuses on programmes managing wild animals and their impacts. This work has a high profile, and the team works collaboratively with whānau, hapū, iwi, the hunting sector, conservation and outdoor recreation stakeholders, and landholders.  

In particular, this role supports the Tahr Programme Lead by leading operational delivery components within DOC’s tahr programme and associated wild animal management work; tasks will include: 

• Working with a variety of DOC Teams contributing to planning, implementation and reporting on DOC’s tahr management. 
• Working with external stakeholders, including recreational and commercial hunters, to deliver collaborative tahr management operations. 
• Tahr control operational data collection and collation. 
• Procurement related to tahr management operations, including: contracted hunting services, helicopter services and firearms and ammunition. 
• Implementation of DOC’s Safe Aerial Hunting System, including training and competency support for DOC’s aerial hunters.  
• Supporting or leading other pieces of similar work in the wider Wild Animals work programme. 
• Travel within the South Island for operational support and engagement processes. 
• Fieldwork opportunities to observe/support/deliver tahr control and monitoring operations. 

Click here for the Role Description   

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

If you are great with people, can use your initiative, like having a varied and challenging suite of work to get on with, and like to have fun along the way, then this is probably the job for you, and it would be great to see your application.

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

• Excellent people skills and a strong drive for results through collaboration. 

• Excellent communicator, verbally and in writing. 

• Experience working across different business groups within an organisation and with external stakeholders, community, whānau, hapū, and iwi. 

• A strong understanding of organisational health and safety systems and process. 

• Operational and/or project management experience, including managing contractors, tasking of staff, data management and reporting. 

• Experience working in the backcountry and around helicopters. 

• A Firearms license, or a willingness and eligibility to get one, is required (P endorsement desirable). 

• An understanding of DOC and government processes. 

• Knowledge of the legislation affecting DOC and government processes, procedures and accountability requirements. 

• A passion for Te Papa Atawhai's Kaupapa is essential as well as understanding of Māori Tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

• Current full driving licence required. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | 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 your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation.  

If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, let us know and we’ll try to accommodate.  

Salary: $80,695 - $101,951 depending on skills and experience 
Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.   

Rā whakakapi | Applications close at 11:59 pm on 22 November. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly  

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries about this role, please contact Tom Brookmam, Programme Lead Tahr, [email protected]. Please note, we’re unable to accept applications via email or provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.