Trainee Ranger Programme

19 January 2000

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is delighted with the success of a programme to encourage more young skilled people into the organisation.

Twenty students midway through the one-year trainee ranger course run by the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology are currently on 12-weeks’ work experience with DOC.

(For a list of the geographical areas students and graduates are working in please see bottom of media release)

After the course finishes in June, DOC will employ eight of the students under its two-year Trainee Ranger Development Programme. Others may end up being employed by DOC as a result of job vacancies that arise.

Institute Richmond campus manager Chris Clark said 15 of the 16 students who graduated in June 1999 had since been offered work with DOC – either under the development programme or in other permanent and or contract positions.

“It’s an excellent programme, full of practical skills and we have a very high calibre of applicants for the programme,” Mr Clark said.

“The programme covers work skills, safety, fire fighting, radio use, administration skills, public relations, transport, machinery, construction, natural history, communication skills and an understanding of conservation philosophy.”

DOC Trainee Rangers Programme National Coordinator Scott Nicol said the course helped fulfil the organistion’s need for skilled and motivated staff to preserve conservation in New Zealand.

“The projects they can become involved with are diverse and range from helping provide recreational activities, to protecting native species, track maintenance and pest control.

“We are thrilled with the calibre of students graduating and how they are performing in our organisation. We are particularly keen to see more women and Maori people applying for the course as they are underrepresented in the Department at the moment,” Mr Nicol said.

ENDS

Students on the 2000-2001 course are working on a variety of projects in the following areas; Kataia, Kerikeri, Rangitoto, Waikato, Tauranga, Tongarairo/Taupo, East Coast Hawke’s Bay, Wanganui, Chathams, Mt Bruce/Poneke/Kapiti, Motueka, Takaka, Karamea/Kawatiri/Punakaiki, Haast, Aoraki, Waimakariri/Mt Thomas, Central and Coastal Otago/Queenstown, Glenorchy, Stewart Island, Murihiku/Te Anau.

Graduates from the first course employed into DOC’s Trainee Ranger Development Programme, 1999-2000, are currently working in; Greymouth area office, Akaroa field centre, Gisborne area office, Maniopoto area office, Rangitaiki area office, Te Anau area office, Picton.

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