Lake Rotoiti from St Arnaud Range
Applications for this volunteer opportunity will open for the 2013-14 summer season in July 2013.
The Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project is a long-term multispecies pest control project to restore over 5000 hectares of alpine beech forest alongside Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park.
A major focus is on conducting research into pest management methods and sharing the lessons learnt. The successes to date include the reintroduction of great spotted kiwi.
When: Usually October to April each summer, for a minimum period of two weeks and a maximum of six weeks.
Description: Volunteers with good fitness and back-country tramping skills are needed to work with DOC rangers. The work is varied and could include everything from predator trapping (stoats, cats and possums), native species monitoring, wasp and rat poisoning to kiwi health checks.
Most work is undertaken during regular working hours though there is a possibility of overnight trips outside the RNRP area in some periods. Volunteers need to be comfortable and experienced with navigating off-track through the forest, handling dead animals and putting toxins into bait stations. The work involves both working with rangers and alone.
Cost: No charge.
Accommodation: Shared bach-type accommodation in St Arnaud (you will need to supply your own food).
Gear required: Tramping boots, warm tramping clothing including wet weather gear, day pack, personal overnight gear for accommodation (incl sleeping bag, pillow). Full gear list supplied with information pack on acceptance. All safety equipment and any transport required on the job is supplied.
Fitness/skill level required: High fitness. Because this position requires volunteers to be working alone, it is a safety requirement that there is a demonstrated high level of experience in the backcountry. You need to be experienced at navigating in the bush, off track, with a map and compass and to have completed multi-day trips in the backcountry or have done similar work.
Please note: This is a limited opportunity and preference will be given to those who have undertaken other species and trapping work. A CV will be requested of applicants and references may be sought.
How to register: The programme will begin accepting applications via this website in July 2013 for the 2013-14 summer season.
View the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project volunteer ranger information sheet (PDF, 150K).
Contact
Related link
Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project
back to top