Kaitiaki Whenua – Trainee Ranger
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-22 | - |
Program Overview
The Kaitiaki Whenua – Trainee Ranger Programme is a full-time, 52-week program that combines classroom learning with practical fieldwork and summer work placements. Students receive in-depth training in core ranger skills, including animal and pest control, New Zealand ecology, conservation technology, and hiking track construction and maintenance. The program boasts an impressive employment record, with graduates sought after for a diverse range of permanent and seasonal positions within New Zealand's conservation landscape.
Program Outline
Outline:
Content and Structure:
This full-time, 52-week programme combines classroom learning with practical fieldwork & summer work placements. 47 weeks involve on-campus studies (34 full-time weeks), leaving 5 additional weeks for breaks. Students receive in-depth training in core ranger skills such as:
- Animal and pest control
- New Zealand ecology understanding
- Conservation technology utilization
- Hiking track construction and maintenance The curriculum blends hands-on learning experiences with theoretical knowledge to equip future rangers for a successful career path. Students also explore conservation technology applications, pest management techniques, environmental monitoring methods all aimed at rejuvenating New Zealand's ecosystems.
Specific Modules:
Fire and Chainsaws (CIC201 - Compulsory)
Practical Conservation Operations (CIC302 - Elective)
Rangatiratanga (CIC317 - Elective)
Wāhi Tapu (CIC318 - Elective)
New Zealand Ecology (CIC401 - Compulsory)
Communications and Legislation (CIC403 - Compulsory)
Conservation Technology (CIC404 - Compulsory)
Risk Assessment (CIC406 - Compulsory)
Basic Construction (CIC407 - Compulsory)
Weed Management (Principles and Best Practice) (CIC416 - Compulsory)
New Zealand Flora and Fauna (CIC417 - Compulsory)
Animal Pest Trapping (CIC418 - Compulsory)
20x20 Plot and Reconnaissance (CIC415)
Te Ao Māori (CIC402 - Elective)
Recreational Maintenance (CIC409 - Elective)
Foliar Browse Index (CIC414 - Elective)
Kaitiakitanga (CIC419 - Elective)
Mātauranga Māori (CIC420 - Elective)
Assessment:
Methods:
Assessment involves a combination of theoretical and practical components to accurately reflect ranger-related tasks in real work situations. Some assessment elements occur within a classroom setting, while others take place during off-campus training days with Department of Conservation (DOC) or regional council staff. This ensures graduates possess the necessary expertise for success as conservation professionals.
Teaching:
Teaching approaches: Students also engage in collaborative group projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills. Additionally, field-based learning opportunities and guest speakers from DOC or other organizations further enrich the learning environment.
Faculty:
The programme boasts highly skilled and experienced instructors with backgrounds in conservation, ecology, environmental sciences, and related fields. This ensures students receive expert-level guidance and knowledge throughout their studies. Additionally, limited openings exist in DOC's two-year Ranger Development programme. Graduates have successfully secured positions at regional councils, nature-based tourism ventures, private zoological or kiwi conservation settings.
Other:
Conservation Days
involve regular off-campus training opportunities for students to practice acquired skills under supervision of instructors or professionals from associated organizations like DOC. These experiences enhance learning outcomes through practical scenarios encountered on real-life conservation jobs.
Summer Work Placements
A paid work placement during program allows individuals to gain firsthand practical experience in conservation work within various locations across New Zealand.
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
Overview:
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) is a tertiary education institution located in the Top of the South region of New Zealand. NMIT offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for work and the world, with a focus on practical experience and flexible learning options.
Services Offered:
NMIT provides a variety of services to support student success, including:
Study Navigators:
Help students design a study journey that fits their individual needs and goals.Flexible Learning:
Offers on-campus, online, and on-the-job learning options to accommodate diverse student lifestyles.Foundation Pathways:
Provides foundation and pathway studies to help students gain direction and qualifications for their chosen career.School Pathways:
Offers practical experience on-campus or in workplaces, allowing students to complete NCEA at school simultaneously.Scholarships:
Provides financial assistance to help students cover the cost of their studies.eduroam:
Provides secure wireless internet access for students.Library:
Offers a range of resources and support services for students.Research:
Conducts research in various fields, contributing to knowledge and innovation.Business and Employers:
Provides resources and support for businesses and employers.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NMIT offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to engage in various activities and events. The institution has campuses across Te Tauihu, Top of the South, designed with the learner in mind and supported by learner services.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Experience:
NMIT emphasizes practical experience, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field.Flexible Learning Options:
Offers a variety of learning options to accommodate diverse student needs and lifestyles.International Qualifications:
Provides internationally respected qualifications.Supportive Campus Environment:
Offers a supportive and welcoming campus environment with a range of services to support student success.Academic Programs:
NMIT offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Nursing:
NMIT offers a Bachelor of Nursing program, with a focus on practical skills and real-world experience.Aviation Engineering:
NMIT offers a program in Aviation Engineering, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in the aviation industry.Horticulture:
NMIT offers a program in Horticulture, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in the horticulture industry.Organisational Management:
NMIT offers a Master of Applied Management program, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to lead and manage organizations.Other:
NMIT is committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field. The institution is also committed to research and innovation, contributing to the development of new knowledge and technologies.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions campuses across Te Tauihu, it does not provide details about student life and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions practical experience and flexible learning options, but it does not explicitly state these as key reasons to study at NMIT.Academic Programs:
The context mentions specific programs like Nursing, Aviation Engineering, Horticulture, and Organisational Management, but it does not provide a comprehensive outline of all academic programs offered.Entry Requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- Applicants under 20 years: Achieved NCEA Level 2 (credits in Maths, Science, or English desirable).
- Applicants aged 20 years and over: No minimum academic requirements.
English Language Requirements:
- All Applicants: Must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
- Those whose first language is not English: Requires an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 5.5 issued within the last two years (or equivalent).
Other Requirements:
- Conservation First Aid short-course certificate (or similar covering unit standards 6400, 6401, 6402, and 424)
- Curriculum vitae
- Selected applicants will be required to attend an interview/hui (see the selection notes below)
- **Applicants must hold New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency due to the Department of Conservation and NZ Council workplace constraints around offering employment to international citizens.
Recommendations:
- Full, manual driver's license
Special Entry:
- In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under the age of 20 years who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the program at the discretion of the selection panel and Curriculum Manager.
Considerations:
- **NMIT and industry require drug and alcohol-free training and work environment. Students will be required to adhere to the workplace policies of any organization that they work for on their summer placements.
- **Students will be required to sign a declaration on entry to the program stating any medical issues that NMIT needs to be aware of. This adheres to the Health and Safety in at Work Act 2015.
- **The program has aspects that require a certain level of agility, physical strength, and fitness. Applicants must be physically capable of completing all aspects of the program and may be asked to provide evidence.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 5.5 issued within the last two years (or equivalent).
