Whirinaki Forest hut wardens

Podocarp in Whirinaki Forest Park

The Department of Conservation, Te Urewera Area requires volunteers to hut warden at the Central Whirinaki Hut in the Whirinaki Forest Park.

Date:

From November to February each year.

Location:

The hut is located in the Whirinaki Forest Park and is managed by the Department of Conservation, Te Urewera Area, Bay of Plenty.

Meeting details:

Volunteers who are accepted will meet at the Te Urewera Area Office in Murupara SH38 (60Km southeast of Rotorua) one day prior to beginning their hut warden duty.

Project specific skills sought:

Information dissemination, hut pass compliance & recording, minor hut maintenance, facility cleanliness.

Essential and Desired experience:

• Fit and healthy (able to carry own personal gear)
• Must be able to tramp up to 3 – 5 hours
• Is able to carry out hut wardening duties on his/her own
• Good with the public
• Culturally sensitive
• First aid certificate preferable
• Conversant in English
• Compliance with Department of Conservation Health and Safety Policy
• Carry out visitor satisfaction survey
• Able to carry out Biodiversity survey (Blue ducks, Bats etc).

Position description:

Hut wardens carry out the duty for a minimum of 7 days.  Hut wardens are welcome to stay longer if desired.  A detailed information sheet and registration form can be emailed to you on request.

Safety procedures:

Approved volunteers must comply with the Department of Conservation Health and Safety Policy, and arrive prepared with appropriate amounts of food and warm/water proof clothing and sturdy walking boots.

Accommodation available:

The Te Urewera Area volunteer house is available for hut wardens to use before and after their hut warden duty if booked in advance.

Accommodation description:

• The Central Whirinaki Hut sleeps 25
• The hut warden quarters sleeps 4 (recent addition)
• The quarters contain – a gas cooker, cooking utensils, running water with the Whirinaki River near by
• The hut has a water tank and composting toilet.

Food available:

No.  Hut wardens need to provide their own food, and the Department will make a small contribution to assist with their cost.  Please see the Hut Warden Info sheet for more details.

Transport:

Hut Wardens need to find their own way to and from the Rangitaiki Visitor Centre on SH 38 IN Murupara, but DOC staff will pick up and drop off volunteers to the Central Whirinaki Track.

Contact information:

Ranger: Community Relations/Recreation
Te Urewera Area
Phone +64 7 366 1080
Email: atawa@doc.govt.nz

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