Ranger’s Assistant
Part one: position description
Job title: Ranger’s Assistant
Location: Kaitoke Regional Park
Status: Fixed term (29 November 2010–12 Feb 2011)
Effective: November 2010
Division: Water Supply, Parks & Forests
Department: Parks
1.
Role of the Parks Department
There are considerable spinoffs for the community by having readily accessible parks.
Research shows that being in green spaces – like those that we provide in our parks – can
reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. Regional parks and forests are
also outdoor “classrooms” where we can learn about our history, cultural heritage and
environment. And they are places where people can be involved in conservation activities
such as planting days and pest control operations.
As we become more urbanised, the value of these parks only increases. So it is important
to ensure that parks remain in public ownership, for the health and well-being of both the
community and our environment. They must also be as accessible as possible, allowing
the whole community to enjoy their benefits. With this in mind, we have developed a Parks
Network Strategy following extensive research and discussion. Greater Wellington’s
commitment to the future of regional parks is captured in this document, which gives a
strategic direction for the parks and serves as a guide for our management plans.
Vision
Our vision for parks is:
“Enriching lives by connecting people with healthy natural places”
Mission of Greater Wellington parks
To provide a variety of large natural areas that conserves our natural environment and
reflects our cultural heritage for everyone in the Region to enjoy.
Goals
This means that in our parks you will find…
1.
Healthy natural ecosystems and the varied landscapes that sustain them.
2.
Heritage features which tell the stories of human interaction with our landscape.
3.
A variety of easily accessible natural settings for people to experience and enjoy.
Guiding principles
Throughout our work we will strive to...
Do our best
... be leading examples in the way we manage land and the
environment.
[about quality]
... develop quality facilities, services and programmes that meet
the needs of the community.
Work together
... manage lands in co-operation with tangata whenua
[about teamwork]
... work with other open space providers to offer a range of
outdoor experiences that are accessible to the public.
... work in conjunction with other agencies to enhance community
well-being and sense of place through programmes and
activities.
Be good stewards
... monitor natural and heritage features, assess changes over
time.
[about sustainability]
... balance use and potential development with conservation
needs and the ability to absorb activities without detrimental
effect to the natural environment.
... take a “whole of catchment” approach in our land
management.
… be innovative in our approach to managing parks considering
needs of current and future generations.
Involve people
... engage the community when making important decisions
about GW parks.
[about transparency]
... share knowledge, skills and experience with the parks’
industry.
2.
Purpose of the role
Provide support to existing Ranger duties during the busy summer months.
3.
Working relationships/reporting lines
This position will report to the Ranger, Kaitoke Regional Park.
In addition, the incumbent will have regular contact with members of the public.
4.
Key results and tasks
Key result areas
Key tasks
Customer Service
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Providing and supporting quality services, being
professional, innovative, dedicated to demonstrating
GW’s commitment to the regional parks and forests
Customer Service
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Operations
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Work is managed in a timely, best practice and cost
effective way to achieve stated outcomes
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Contributing to Park’s Department
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Demonstrated commitment to, enthusiasm for, and
Answer public inquiries
Enforcing Council bylaws
Taking picnic and camping reservations
Assisting with interpretive and
environmental education programmes
Responding to first aid / search and
rescue requests
Kaitoke Ranger and relevant staff are
kept fully informed on work status and
priorities.
Provides continuity in Management of
Kaitoke Regional Park
Maintain popular picnic and campground
areas and facilities.
Patrol the park area, recreation and water
collection areas.
Manage camping.
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Demonstrates a commitment to, and
enthusiasm for an overall contribution to
overall contribution to the Park Rangers team.
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Members of the Parks Department support each other
and provide relief services as required.
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Stakeholders experience a seamless service across
the Parks Department.
Health and safety
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Consistent, active and effective commitment to the
principles of health and safety in the workplace.
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the Parks Department.
Actively contributes to team meetings,
seeks and encourages advice from
others.
Actively offers advice and assistance to
others.
Assists work gangs when they are
working in area.
Is a site safety supervisor to ensure
health and safety and risk management
systems are operated in the workplace.
Ensures that health and safety
management systems are used and
applied in the workplace.
Contractors and Volunteers HSE is
inducted and documented.
Appropriate PPE is worn by all members
working in vicinity
Part two: person specification
Essential knowledge, skills and behaviours
1. Qualifications, skills and experience
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Training towards or a relevant tertiary qualification and experience is desirable.
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Understanding of amenity infrastructure maintenance on natural and park settings.
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Horticultural maintenance practices.
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Track and road maintenance practices.
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General building and construction at a practical level.
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Operating and maintaining small machinery, plant and equipment.
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Use and application of herbicides, safely and effectively.
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A commitment to and understanding of managing natural ecosystems and heritage
features.
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Experience with compliance, enforcement and regulatory processes.
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A current vehicle drivers licence
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A current fist aid certificate
2. Personal attributes and behavioural competencies
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Good organisation and time management.
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The ability to work independently while also contributing to the Ranger team.
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Good customer service and public relations.
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Must be able to work most weekends and public holidays.
3. Physical requirements
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Ability to carry out eight hours of manual labour per day, allowing normal
refreshment breaks. Activities include: digging, lifting, twisting, bending, using hand
tools, plant and equipment and machinery.
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Ability to tramp into remote areas carrying tools, supplies and equipment.
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Ability to stay overnight in accommodation provided at the park whilst on duty and
be able to work flexible hours, including weekends.
Part three: Appendix A - Our core values
Greater Wellington is committed to achieving Quality for Life by ensuring our environment is
protected while meeting the economic, cultural and social needs of the community.
To achieve this vision, we must work closely as an organisation and develop committed partnerships
with others. This is possible when we focus on:
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Positive, durable relationships
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Innovation – trying new ways of doing things
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Delivering on our promises and commitments.
Positive, durable relationships are possible when we:
Treat others with respect
This means we:
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are positive, supportive, patient and good humoured
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are courteous, sensitive to others’ needs and prepared to listen
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value our differences
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are open and honest in our communications
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are aware of the cultural diversity of our colleagues and communities. In particular, we are
open to learning about the Treaty of Waitangi and tikanga Maori
Are consistent in our dealings with each other
This means we:
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ensure our policies are well communicated and understood
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ensure fairness and consistency when applying policies.
Are willing to be team players and contribute to others’ goals
This means we:
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want to establish positive relationships
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are honest and trust each other
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are excellent communicators
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are co-operative and prepared to compromise
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take the time to understand others’ issues, goals and workloads
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openly share information and resources and are up front when we are unable to help
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are prepared to accept constructive criticism
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are reliable
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use the skills of everyone at Greater Wellington.
Innovation  trying new ways of doing things
This means we:
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are proactive and look for solutions not barriers
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are flexible and embrace change
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inspire each other
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are courageous in looking for new ways of doing things.
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strive for continuous improvement.
Delivering on our promises and commitments
Happens when we:
Focus on Quality for Life
This means we:
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think of ourselves as part of one organisation
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keep in mind the overall goals of Greater Wellington
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understand what each area does and where we can work together
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understand Greater Wellington’s position on a range of issues.
Are accountable
This means we:
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act in the interests of our ratepayers and are careful with resources
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ensure our work is high quality
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recognise and appreciate excellence
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have opportunities for input but recognise that others have the right to make decisions and,
once made, we back those decisions
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are professional and take pride in our work
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take responsibility for mistakes and learn from the experience
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are willing to ask for help and advice when we need it.
Strive for excellent customer service
This means we:
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are approachable and accessible to internal and external customers
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are realistic in what we promise and we deliver on those promises
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listen and take the time to understand issues/ concerns
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provide answers and strive to ensure the customer gets the information they need. This
means making sure we make links within Greater Wellington and to other agencies where
appropriate.
Lead by example
This means we:
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behave in ways that are consistent with the overall goals of Greater Wellington
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are environmentally aware and aim to inspire others.
Date and signatures
Job holder: _________________________
Date:_______________
Manager:
Date:_______________
_________________________