Vacancies
Operations Manager - Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu
Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust | Western Southland
An exciting opportunity to lead hands-on conservation and Mahika kai restoration mahi in a spectacular setting at the foot of the Takitimu Mountains.
Are you passionate about conservation, love working outdoors and enjoy turning restoration plans into results on the ground? Do you have practical skills, enjoy working with people and want to make a lasting difference?
Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is looking for an experienced, motivated and practical Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations and restoration mahi at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu, a stunning 445-hectare property in the Jericho Valley, Western Southland.
This is a varied, hands-on role combining ecological restoration, mahika kai enhancement, property maintenance and community engagement. You'll have the opportunity to lead a significant restoration programme, work in an incredible natural environment and help reconnect Kāi Tahu whānui with their ancestral whenua and mahika kai resources.
About the Trust
Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Meridian Energy Ltd. Our kaupapa is to protect, restore and enhance the mahika kai values of the Waiau catchment and strengthen the connection of Kāi Tahu whānui with their ancestral waterways, whenua and resources.
Our main restoration project is at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu, a 445-hectare property nestled beneath the Takitimu Mountains, approximately 25 minutes south of Manapōuri.
Here, we're restoring mahika kai for Kāi Tahu whānui, restoring native forests and wetlands, controlling pest plants and animals, enhancing biodiversity and taoka species habitats, and creating opportunities for Kāi Tahu whānau and the wider community to reconnect with the whenua. We also have an accommodation complex on site where we host whānau, school groups, corporate groups, wānanga, and also members of the public.
Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata. Mō tātau, ā, mō kā uri a muri ake nei.
For us and our future generations.
About the Role
We're looking for someone who enjoys both leading projects and rolling up their sleeves to get things done.
You'll be responsible for planning, managing and delivering the Trust's practical work programme, with a strong focus on Mahika kai, Kāi Tahu and ecological restoration. The role also includes the upkeep and maintenance of the 30 bunk Te Kōawa Lodge, self-contained two bedroom apartment, grounds and visitor facilities.
Your mahi will include:
Leading and delivering ecological restoration, pest and weed control, native planting, biodiversity monitoring and land management activities.
Managing the Trust's restoration programme, including work planning, budgets, contractors and reporting.
Undertaking practical field work and maintaining tracks, fences, equipment and other infrastructure.
Caretaker work for Te Kōawa Lodge, accommodation facilities and surrounding grounds, including undertaking practical repairs and upkeep.
Managing health and safety across site operations, including maintaining the Trust's Health and Safety Plan, inspections and audits.
Welcoming whānau and visitors, leading volunteer planting days, working bees, school visits and community activities.
Building positive relationships with mana whenua, local communities, agencies, contractors and project partners.
While Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu will be your main base, there may also be opportunities to contribute to restoration projects elsewhere in the Waiau catchment.
Please note: The Operations Manager is contracted as an Independent Contractor is not an employee of Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust. The contractor will operate independently from their own home or office (as well as in the field) and work within a defined area. This role requires the contractor to provide their own vehicle, computer, phone etc.
Our Values
Our mahi is guided by the values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. These values shape not only what we do, but how we work with others.
Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship: Caring for and restoring our whenua, wai and taoka for future generations.
Manaakitanga – Respect and hospitality: Welcoming and treating whānau, visitors, colleagues and partners with kindness, respect and care.
Whanaungatanga – Relationships: Building positive, respectful and enduring relationships through collaboration and shared purpose.
Pono – Honesty and integrity: Acting with honesty, accountability and professionalism in everything we do.
Māiatanga – Initiative and courage: Taking responsibility, showing initiative and finding practical solutions to challenges.
We are looking for someone who genuinely embraces these values and demonstrates them through their everyday actions and interactions.
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about conservation, practical, resourceful and confident managing a diverse range of activities.
Ideally, you'll bring:
At least five years' experience in conservation, ecological restoration, environmental or land management.
Strong practical experience in pest and weed control, biodiversity enhancement, native planting and environmental monitoring.
Experience planning and managing work programmes, projects, budgets and contractors.
Good practical maintenance and handyman skills, with confidence using tools, machinery and equipment.
Strong organisational, communication and people skills, and an enthusiasm for working with whānau, volunteers and community groups.
A sound understanding of operational health and safety.
The initiative, judgement and self-management skills to work independently and take ownership of the role.
Importantly, you'll have a genuine interest in te ao Māori and a willingness to learn, embrace and contribute to the kaupapa of the Trust and the aspirations of Kāi Tahu whānui.
You don't need to be an expert in everything, but you'll need a solid conservation background, broad practical skills and a willingness to turn your hand to a range of tasks.
What We Offer
The opportunity to lead meaningful, long-term conservation and restoration mahi in an exceptional natural environment.
A varied and rewarding role with plenty of autonomy and scope to contribute your ideas and experience.
The chance to work alongside Kāi Tahu whānui, volunteers, conservation professionals and community groups.
Flexible part-time independent contractor arrangement, with a minimum of 1,000 hours per annum (approximately 20 hours per week) and potential for additional hours subject to funding.
A one-year contract, with the opportunity for renewal.
For the right person, there may be an opportunity to stay on site in your own caravan or tiny home, by arrangement.
We would particularly welcome applications from people living locally or those interested in relocating to the Fiordland/Western Southland area.
Interested?
If you love conservation, enjoy practical outdoor work and want to help make a lasting difference for our whenua, biodiversity and future generations, we'd love to hear from you.
For the full job description, visit:
www.tewaiaumahikaitrust.co.nz/vacancies
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience, and what interests you about the role and the Trust's kaupapa, to info@tewaiaumahikaitrust.co.nz.
Applications will remain open until the position is filled.
Volunteers
Would you like to be involved with a holistic conservation project?
We are looking for volunteers!
Areas you could help include:
Helping us clear and rebait traps
Monitoring work (possum chew cards, bird monitoring)
Planting trees
Track maintenance
Cutting down wilding pines and other weeds
Help with our website or other administrative tasks
Caring for our Pā Harakeke (our flax plantation that is used for weaving)
If you are interested in helping out, please get in touch via info@tewaiaumahikakaitrust.co.nz
