Conservation Ranger and UAV Drone Operator

Are you an outdoors enthusiast, passionate about exploring and protecting our natural environment?

Would you like to do meaningful work whist developing your conservation skills?

Here’s your chance to work within nature, giving back to the local community!

At Kūmānu, it is our responsibility to work with our communities to protect, renew and enhance our environment. Our Conservation Rangers work in and around Nelson / Tasman to nurture our whenua, restoring nature, connecting people and places, reducing environmental impacts whilst developing a sustainable legacy for future generations.

We have a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Conservation Ranger to carry out a range of hands-on conservation activities and undertake drone operations to support the wider business. This role has a focus on vegetation management, pest plant control using herbicide, track maintenance and drone operations including drone operation and post-flight processing .If you have practical experience in the conservation field, enjoy working as a team and doing physical work outside in all weather conditions, we are keen to hear from you.

You‘ll be involved in various conservation activities including:

        Using light machinery and hand tools such as scrub bars, weed-whackers, chainsaws

• Conservation maintenance work around water and wastewater sites
• Planting and aftercare of plants
• Track work and facilities maintenance
• Large-scale revegetation projects
• Long-term pest plant control projects
• Assisting other teams within Kūmānu with various maintenance activities
• Capture high-quality aerial imagery, video, mapping, and inspection data
• Maintain compliance with CAA Part 101 and Part 102 requirements

Suitable candidates must have:

·      At least one year of Technical / Industry experience in Conservation AND New Zealand Certificate in Conservation (Operations) Level 4 OR at least three years of Technical / Industry experience

·      At least one year of experience in operating UAVs AND at least one year in drone mapping data processing, such as aerial and landscaping mapping, photogrammetry, inspections, environmental monitoring and drone mapping for biosecurity

·      Familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, or drone data processing software

·      NZ CAA Part 101 Pilot Certificate

·      Current full New Zealand driver’s licence or international equivalent

·      A good level of fitness and ability to lift heavy loads

·      Good knowledge and identification of native plants/pest plants

·      Enthusiasm to work outdoors.

·      Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills during field operations

·      Strong knowledge of UAV operations, aviation safety requirements, and NZ CAA regulations

·      Ability to operate UAV systems safely and effectively in varied field conditions

·      Competency using drone software, mapping platforms, GIS tools, and digital data systems

·      Buy in and commitment to the Kūmānu values.

·      A belief in the importance of sound Health and Safety practices.

Ideal candidates should have:

·      Have two years of Technical / Industry experience in Conservation AND New Zealand Certificate in Conservation (Operations)Level 4

·      Hold Basic Chainsaw certificate

·      Hold Growsafe certificate

·      2+ years of experience in operating UAVs AND 2+ years in drone mapping data processing, such as aerial and landscaping mapping, photogrammetry, inspections, environmental monitoring and drone mapping for biosecurity

·      Operate UAVs safely and legally across environmental, infrastructure, and field operations projects

·      Literate (ability to complete timesheets, and some technical literacy to operate handheld electronic recording devices) – Training will be provided.

·      Current full New Zealand driver’s licence or international equivalent being able to drive manual and Four Wheel Drive.

·      A strong commitment to the customer (both internal and external)

·      High attention to detail and excellent organisation skills

·      Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

·      Good team player while also able to work autonomously

·      Self-motivated, energetic, proactive and results oriented.

·      Ability to manage time, priorities, and operational documentation effectively

·      Effective verbal and written communication skills

·      Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams

·      Professional and client-focused approach in all interactions

Kūmānu can offer you:

• Excellent training and development opportunities to grow your career
• High-functioning and motivated teams
• Job satisfaction in enhancing the local community and making a meaningful difference to the environment
• Great employee benefits and discounts with over 70 national and local

Please note that applicants must have a current full drivers’ license, NZ residency/citizenship or a valid NZ work visa and will be required to undergo pre-employment medical and drug screening, as well as background and ACC checks.

If you have questions regarding the role, please email: careers@nelmac.co.nz and the hiring manager will be in touch.