• Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting our coastal ecosystems?
• Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
• 1 x Fixed Term role based at the Whitianga DOC office. Rosters operate from Wednesday to Sunday for most of the year.
• Salary range from $60,703 to $66,911 depending on skills and experience.

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.

Join us in protecting and revitalising the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand’s first marine park and only national park of the sea. Covering 1.4 million hectares, it’s more than 20 times the size of Lake Taupō and includes the Waitematā Harbour, Gulf Islands, Firth of Thames, and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Renowned as the seabird capital of the world and a vital whale superhighway, this marine park is intensively used and located right on the doorstep of our most populated city.

Find out more about the new marine protected areas.

The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act has more than doubled Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, added new High Protection Areas at Whakahau/Slipper Island, Alderman Islands North, Alderman Islands South, Port Jackson and Motukawao Islands and a new Seafloor Protection Area at Cape Colville. This bespoke legislation is the first of its kind in Aotearoa and part of the broader Revitalising the Gulf
programme.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This intern role is designed for a Ngāti Hei rangitahi who is keen to kick start their marine career. You will shadow our highly skilled and competent marine protection rangers as you learn the ropes. You will start your diving qualifications and skipper qualifications and at the very least, emerge from this fixed term position with experience on the boats as crew, Open Water Diving certification and your Boatmasters. For the right person, further qualifications are possible.

Our Marine Protection Rangers undertake compliance, biodiversity monitoring and marine operations. You will have a passion and an understanding of the ocean and marine environment.

You will learn about protecting marine biodiversity, undertaking compliance with conservation regulations, and maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems. If you have a passion and some experience in these area, we encourage you to apply.

The position will be focussed on:

• Representing Ngāti Hei in local communities, and marine users to promote sustainable practices. Responding to environmental incidents, support emergency operations, and assist in compliance investigations.
• Learning about compliance with marine protection laws through patrols, inspections, and engagement.
• Maintaining records, preparing reports learning about the importance of marine protection and how to monitor these areas.
• Learning about scientific monitoring and developing diving skills
• Learning and understanding vessel operations, maintenance, crewing and skippering responsibilities
  
  

These roles require travel, so flexibility is essential to work away from home for several days when needed. Rosters operate from Wednesday to Sunday year-round, with potential flexibility between June and September. Flexibility for part time work is possible for the right candidate.

Key soft skills we’re looking for include:

• Keen to learn, teachable and respectful
• Represents Ngāti Hei and DOC professionally
• Excellent communicator: Clear and effective communication
• Ready to get your feet wet, and keen to study towards your qualifications
• Cultural awareness: Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and traditions to foster respect and cooperation.
• Adaptability: Ability to handle changing environments and weather while maintaining safety and clear communication. Willingness to work weekends and
  holidays.
• Problem solving & situational awareness: Quick, safe resolution of issues and awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents and mitigate risks.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

Key Skills & Experience:

• Experience snorkelling, free-diving, spearfishing or diving.
• Experience around boats and understanding of vessel operations and handling.
• Willingness to engage with the public.
• Physical Fitness: Able to meet the physical demands of diving and vessel operations.
• Medically fit to perform the role and able to pass a dive medical in the role annually.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems and sustainable boating practices.
• Reasonable level of literacy.
  
  

Desirable Skills:

• An understanding of tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the role of iwi as mana whenua is essential.
• Current Full NZ Driver License.
• Ability to work away from home for several days when required.
  
  

If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the revitalisation of the Hauraki Gulf, we want to hear from you! Join us in making a difference for our marine environment and the communities and species that depend on it.

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 DOC staff benefits here. 

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai in partnership with Ngāti Hei. The salary range for this position is $60,703 – $66,911 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.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 5pm Sunday 15th February

To apply: Send your CV and Cover letter to [email protected] 

He pātau tau? / Questions? Contact Molly Hicks, Principle Ranger, [email protected]