People who are looking for a job in the Department of Conservation are sometimes required to have a relevant tertiary qualification. However there are many positions where a qualification is not required, although experience is often necessary. Finding voluntary or temporary work either with DOC or other similar agencies and organisations may help build up that experience. It is vital to have an enthusiasm for conservation and to care for the environment.
If the position you are interested in involves a lot of field work, such as in parks and reserves or with a wildlife species, it is good to have an interest in the outdoors and to have pursued some sort of outdoor recreation such as tramping, climbing, or hunting. A good level of physical fitness and health is necessary.
Tertiary qualifications
There are a great variety of qualifications that help make people suitable for work with the Department. Obviously, the type of work determines what is most useful. Some of the more common, suitable qualifications are:
- BSc in Zoology, Botany, Ecology, or Geography
- Bachelor of Recreation Management (Lincoln)
- Bachelor of Resource Studies (Lincoln)
- Diploma in Wildlife Management (Otago)
- Bachelor of Business Studies
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Diploma in Environmental Management (Bay of Plenty Polytechnic)
Many post-graduate studies, such as a Masters in Resource Management, are also suitable.
National Certificate in Conservation
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (Trainee Ranger)
The National Certificate in Conservation (Trainee Ranger) programme is designed, with the full support of the Department of Conservation, to produce graduates with the skills and training to move into Trainee Ranger positions with the Department. The graduates from the programme will have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of Ranger Trainee vacancies each year.
Those applying for the National Certificate programme would be expected to have, among other things, a current drivers licence, satisfactory grades at 6th form or equivalent, and a demonstrated interest in the outdoors and conservation.
Application forms are available from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology website, by freephoning 0800 422 733 or writing to Private Bag 19, Nelson.
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