Overview

The biodiversity team are responsible for managing a broad range of work programmes for the protection of many species including kea, kiwi, threatened invertebrates, whio, pāteke and bats.  As Supervisor, Biodiversity you will be one of two Supervisors reporting to the Principal Ranger responsible for the delivery of the biodiversity work programmes including planning, organising, and implementing the delivery of biodiversity work for the team of Rangers.

Responsibilities

• You will be responsible for leading, supporting, coaching, and developing our varied and diverse Biodiversity team.   This team is passionate about the work they do and has a culture of inclusiveness and support with whanau at the core and you will share those values and passion for the conservation that drives the team.
• You will have responsibility for leading a portfolio of work which could be Island Biosecurity or Procurement and Contract management.
• Strong relationships with your staff will help them deliver great conservation. This will require you to spend periods of time in the field with your rangers, alongside ensuring delivery of office-based tasks are prioritized and delivered.
• 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, contractors, and other members of the community.  Due to the scale of the projects, there are several high performing partnerships with large stakeholders and community groups.

 What we are looking for

You will be an experienced people leader or an up-and-coming leader, with demonstrated understanding of field operations.  You will be skilled in leading, motivating, and coaching team members to achieve their full potential, have excellent interpersonal skills and be a confident relationship builder who can get along with people from all walks of life.  We want to hear from you if you have the following:

• Previous experience in biodiversity including knowledge of native flora and fauna and pest control is desired but not essential.
• Experience and genuine interest in building and running a successful team – helping facilitate staff to be happy, productive and successful in their roles.
• Strong field planning and coordinating skills, including the ability to prioritise your own work and that of the delivery team.
• Willingness to contribute to the wider office needs and culture e.g., duty officer, health and safety forums, represent the office in a public capacity.
• Computer and technologically savvy skills.
• Strong understanding and values of health and safety.
• A high level of fitness with remote area/ backcountry experience such as 10 days of setting traplines on Resolution or Secretary Island.
• A genuine interest in the Departments management of our natural and cultural heritage, and an enthusiasm for engaging others in conservation.
• Full NZ drivers’ licence.

Desirable skills, experience, and qualifications:

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in science or natural heritage management.
• Good knowledge of the Fiordland District.
• Current first aid certificate.
• Previous experience engaging and working in partnership with iwi and tangata whenua, as well as an understanding of the implications of te Tiriti o te Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) on today’s society and conservation.

What’s in it for you:

Te Anau offers a community lifestyle many other places lament having lost while enjoying access to larger centres thanks to the proximity of Queenstown to the north and Invercargill to the south. Shopping, airports, and other services are just a two-hour drive away.  From kindergarten through to high school, local children are immersed in the environment as part of their education.  The community is vibrant with a strong family network, new arts hub, strong sports centre, and community garden. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound, with a strong community of outdoors people, and NZ’s largest national park at your doorstep. Commuting to work will be a highlight, with biking or walking along the lakefront, with no traffic congestion to speak of.

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 program