Conservation Educator and Field Officer

Organisations don’t get more grassroots than the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. Since 2013 we’ve mobilised community volunteers to propagate and plant over 125,000 native trees in public spaces. We are looking for a Conservation Educator and Field Officer to work alongside our Operations Manager and volunteer team in Queenstown. This is a contract position working on average 25 hours per week. This role requires field work as well as office-based work (remote). Due to the nature of what we do, some evening and weekend work is required at times.

On the flipside, this means flexibility to take time off during quieter periods.  This exciting and diverse role allows you to make a tangible difference to local biodiversity, working outdoors, in our community nursery, in schools and with members of the community. About the Whakatipu Reforestation TrustOur vision is to restore native biodiversity to Queenstown and the Whakatipu Basin. We do this by revegetating pockets of public land, creating ecological corridors that will increasingly support native wildlife.

We run a community nursery and enable smaller community groups to undertake their own restoration projects by acting as a hub for local botanical knowledge. Through our Educate for Nature programme we pass on practical restoration and conservation skills to learners of all ages.  About the roleWith 95% of indigenous vegetation gone from the Whakatipu basin, we need someone who can take an intergenerational perspective to restoring it – and drum up lots of local enthusiasm for the goal.

 You’ll be able to tell the story of our native ecosystems and lead members of the community in practical conservation activities to reverse this dramatic loss of biodiversity. With support from the Operations Manager, scientific experts and partner organisations, you’ll take a key role in the delivery of Educate For Nature, delivering these popular learning programmes to young people and adults alike.  As a practical complement to the educational aspects of the role, you will be the face of the Trust’s keystone restoration sites.

With responsibility for field management you’ll oversee planting site preparation and work with contractors to maintain the plantings, ultimately ensuring the best possible survival rate for the trees.  Skills and experience required:

Previous experience in a conservation, environmental management and/or environmental education roleA working knowledge of Aotearoa’s native plants and the ability to quickly upskill on plants indigenous to the Whakatipu basin, and pest speciesKnowledge of ecological processes Strong communication, presentation and storytelling skillsThe ability to tailor content and delivery for varied audiences, from pre-schoolers to corporate groupsAn appreciation of Te Ao Māori and accurate te reo Māori pronunciationPractical experience in gardening or land management; use of tools, trailers.  Excellent organisational skills, including event management, administration, computer, and written skills.

Knowledge and/or field experience related to New Zealand's natural history, local ecosystems and ecological restoration projects is desirable. The ideal candidate will: Understand the dynamics of a not-for-profit organisation and be willing to get stuck inKnow how to make the most of the community resources availableBe a self-starter, content to work both independently and as part of a small, close-knit teamHave a visible passion for conservation, plants, and community Physically fit and comfortable working in all weather and terrainBasic RequirementsAbility to work in NZFull driver’s license and own vehicleClear NZ Police check.

Full job description available on requestApply with CV and cover letter to volunteer@wrtqt. org. nzApplications close Friday August 15th.