Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) are seeking an experienced coordinator to join the team working towards Predator Free Rakiura.
The successful applicant will work from our Christchurch office in Lincoln, and will be required to regularly travel to Rakiura to lead aerial operations as they are completed.
About the role
Aerial operations are crucial for achieving and maintaining predator elimination across large and challenging landscapes. This role is responsible for planning and delivering these operations to establish and protect predator-free status in ZIPs landscape scale projects. These operations are often complex and require effective management across a diverse program to deliver successfully.
Main tasks
Lead planning and delivery of aerial operations in Rakiura/Stewart Island, and ZIP’s other projects as needed. This will include coordinating several different work streams to facilitate successful delivery including:
Operational and logistics planning, and documentation
Supporting operational design with ZIP’s GIS team
Ensuring that all required permissions are obtained and the operations are compliant with all required regulations including, Worksafe, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their delegated authorities
Ensuring that all reporting requirements are completed
Coordinating contractor and ZIP team availability
Develop and foster effective working relationships across the ZIP team (including operational, technical and community teams), key contractors and landowners.
Be able to clearly communicate the purpose and process of aerial operations to various internal and external audiences, tailoring the message to each project's context and audience.
A full job description is available on request.
Key Requirements for the Role
Experience in predator elimination or control work, working with helicopters or familiarity with aerial operations is preferred.
Proven technical ability to plan and deliver project outcomes aligned with planned timelines, and enjoy problem solving to navigate through challenges or potential road blocks.
Flexibility to travel to sites to lead operations, recognising that this will generally be at short notice (owing to the weather-dependant nature of the work), and will require some work outside normal office hours.
Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills that foster effective relationships with the ZIP team, contractors, suppliers, stakeholders, and remote team members.
Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic working environment, where work priorities can shift rapidly due to new context or external influences.
Willing and able to spend time in ZIP’s field sites to connect with the team and get grounded in the mahi.
About Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP)
At ZIP, our mission is to protect native taonga and restore te taiao (nature) by removing invasive predators across mainland Aotearoa. ZIP is working to adapt and refine our elimination approaches to completely remove predators within the context of three landscape scale projects: Predator Free South Westland (PFSW), Te Manahuna Aoraki Project and Predator Free Rakiura (PFR).
ZIP Culture
People – our team, conservation partners and other stakeholders – are always our number one priority, without exception. We are caring, connected, empowered and innovative.
How to Apply
Applications close: Friday 16 May or until a suitable candidate is found
Apply: Via Seek
Reference: Aerial Operations Coordinator
Salary band: $70,000 - $90,000
All applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
Please apply online, or send a cover letter and CV to careers@zip.org.nz, quoting ‘Aerial Ops Coordinator’ in the subject header. We will be accepting applications until midday on Friday 16th May 2025, or until a suitable candidate is found.
For more information, please email your questions to careers@zip.org.nz, providing your name and a contact phone number.