Organisation

Aroha Kaikorai Valley

Summary

An exciting opportunity to help the environment by providing an opportunity for native wildlife to flourish. You'll meet others in your community while installing predator traps in local backyards and organisations.

Description

Aroha Kaikorai Valley is a new conservation trust that has been set up to improve the local community environment. They’re specifically focussed on removing predators and weeds, planting native trees, and improving the water quality of the Kaikorai Stream. Volunteers are needed to help install a variety of traps in private residences and local businesses.

As Trap Installer you will:

• Drive to the Aroha Kaikorai Valley shed to collect possum and rat traps

• Install traps in people's back yards, and around the grounds of local business, so that native wildlife can flourish

• Assess suitable locations for traps to be positioned

• Teach trap hosts how to manage their traps

• Be comfortable using a drill to attach traps to trees

• Mostly be working by yourself, but occasionally have another volunteer around you

Training/Skills Gained:

• Full training and support will be provided by Aroha Kaikorai Valley team members

• You’ll be working independently but support will be available from Aroha Kaikorai Valley

• This role provides an opportunity to grow your communication skills and to learn how to best support our native wildlife

Benefits to the volunteer:

• You’ll be helping to grow and establish our local community environment by providing an opportunity for native birds to thrive

• You will enjoy being part of this exciting community, meeting new people, and working outdoors to help a nationwide conservation effort

• Volunteers will have an added sense of purpose, and the local community will have more native plants

• You’ll receive an Aroha Kaikorai Valley t-shirt, cap and hi-viz vest

Requirements

• This role would suit someone who is physically agile and good at communicating with others

• You must have a drivers licence and access to a legal/roadworthy car

• You must be able to perform heavy lifting tasks and stand for long periods of time

• This particular role involves lots of walking and bending

• Volunteers are required to navigate difficult terrain (uneven surfaces) and to be able to carry and install predator traps

• You will need to be able to work independently and follow instructions

• A good listener, enthusiastic, energetic, someone who enjoys the outdoors and cares about conservation

Time commitment

• This is a flexible casual position that operates on an as needed basis

• Initial training will be provided by team members of Aroha Kaikorai Valley

• The trap installations could be done in your own time in a way that works for you

• This role may involve periods of flux, followed by some down time

• Ideally a minimum time commitment of 2hrs per week twice a month, with a minimum 6 months commitment

Background Check

Ministry of Justice - working with community members.

How to apply

Contact connect@akv.nz

Please copy (CC) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless