- Join the kakapo recovery field team for the breeding season!
- Work hands-on in a high-profile recovery programme alongside a great team.
- 3 full-time, 12-month fixed-term or secondment roles based on southern kakapo islands supported out of Invercargill.
Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Turoa
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.
He angitutanga | About the role
With a significant kakapo breeding season predicted for 2026, this is an exciting opportunity to help support the management of this critically endangered species. Join the talented Kakapo/Takahe team as we work together to make the most of this opportunity to grow the kakapo population and secure a more positive future for these iconic birds.
You will be focussed on delivering the hands-on mahi required to support the conservation management of the kakapo. You will be part of the Kakapo/Takahe Regional Operations Team and will work with other members of the team based in Invercargill, Te Anau and kakapo sites nationwide. We have a positive team-focused culture, and our team consists of specialised individuals working within technical, scientific, infrastructure, logistics, advocacy and field delivery aspects.
The position will be focussed on:
- Monitoring kakapo in the field and remotely, including health and home range monitoring, transmitter output monitoring, transmitter replacement, transferring birds between sites and database management / reporting
- Other tasks include maintenance of facilities, technical equipment maintenance, logistics support, delivery of the supplementary feeding programme, and managing volunteers
The normal work pattern for kakapo rangers during the breeding season consists of four weeks on island, followed 2 weeks off, however, roster lengths may vary depending on work programme priorities & logistics. Your usual workplace will be in the field at kakapo sites, where you will live and work with your co-workers. At times your role will require you to be office-based in Invercargill. There may also be opportunities to support the takahe team with their work programme.
Further information on the critical work the Kakapo Recovery Team do can be found here.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
You will be a team player who enjoys working with other passionate individuals to support the operational field delivery of this recovery programme.
If you have the following attributes, we are keen to hear from you:
- Previous experience monitoring, or handling bird species
- Excellent communication skills and commitment to achieving team objectives
- An ability to get on with people in a communal living situation
- An ability to accurately record data, and good attention to detail
- Excellent planning, organisational skills and problem-solving ability
- An excellent approach to health, safety, and wellbeing
- Full Driver's license, and able to drive both manual and automatic vehicles
- Technologically savvy and a willingness to learn about novel systems
- Computer literacy, including experience with databases
- Demonstrated confidence and knowledge with basic facilities maintenance tasks
- Experience working in remote locations
- Ability to work away from home for extended periods and outside of normal working hours (which may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends during breeding seasons)
- A high level of fitness with backcountry experience, including the ability to navigate steep off-trail terrain
- Knowledge and interest in conservation
- A current First Aid Certificate and / or OPHEC
Desirable
- Experience with track maintenance and trapping
- Skippers licence and / or boating experience
- Chainsaw and scrub-bar experience
Nga ahuatanga kei a matou | 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.
Tono inaianei | Apply now
Depending on the volume of applications received, we may close this advertisement early, please submit your application as soon as possible.
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. 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.
The salary range for this position is $58,816 to $66,578 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.
Ra katinga | Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Me he patai ano | For further enquiries, contact Alyssa Salton, Supervisor at [email protected]
Taupanga | Job reference: T 400/09630
