You and your trap line crew will be responsible for checking, clearing and rebaiting the possum, rat and stoat traps that are located on your allocated line. You will also report any maintenance issues and trap catch records via the Trap.NZ app or website. Training, protective equipment and trap check tools will be provided to you.
Work environment
Most of the traps will be located within the forested sections of the Garden. Some sections of the reserve are steep and can become slippery during wet weather. Traplines will not be serviced in high-winds or wet weather. You will be working by yourself most of the time, unless you would like to take a friend or trapping buddy along with you. Your trapping schedule will be coordinated with City Sanctuary staff.
Because this is a managed reserve there are strict rules that must be followed. These include checking in with the site manager before and after checking your trap line, wearing a Hi-Vis at all times, completing a site induction and carrying all possums off site to disposal locations.
Trap lines
Leith River Loop (30 minutes-1.30 hour)
This switchback track takes you along the Leith river and up through regenerating native forest. Traps are positioned above and below the tracks, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be confident at climbing up steep slopes
Fern Gully (30-45 minutes)
This nice week loop follows walking tracks through a fern-clad gully and out into a gum tree section of the garden. Although tracks are well maintained access to some of the traps are on slopes and can sometimes be slippery. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be confident at walking off track.
Rhododendron Loop (45 minutes – 1.30 hour)
This scenic loop takes you through beautiful sections of the Rhododendron dell as well as regenerating native bush. Although tracks are well maintained in this area, access to some of the traps are on slopes and can sometimes be slippery. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be confident at walking off track.
Time commitment
Four people will be assigned to each trapline. The traplines will need to be checked twice a week. You will need to be able to check the traps once a fortnight. This may decrease/ increase depending on seasonal variation with the pest species.
Skills/attributes required
• Positive and respectful attitude towards health and safety and ensuring animal welfare• Experience or interest in doing predator control and working with modern trap technology• Good communications skills• Moderate level of fitness (able to carry 5kg pack over 4 hours on uneven ground)• Be comfortable volunteering alone in forested areas• Comfortable handling pest animal carcasses
• Should live or work locally to the pest control area
Sign up
Email [email protected] to register your interest. We will be in touch with the next available induction dates.
About the site
Dunedin Botanic Garden is the oldest Botanic Garden in New Zealand, founded in 1863.Currently the Garden occupies 30.4 hectares within more than 8,600 plant species. The Botanic Garden includes 15 native bush areas that covers 11.5 hectares of the grounds. The bush areas are an attractive habitat for birds. The most common species are: Bellbird, Blackbird, Brown Creeper, Fantail, Finch, Grey warbler, Hedge and house Sparrows, Redpoll, Silver eye and Wax eye, Starling, Thrush, Wood pigeon and mallard and Paradise ducks. Birds like the Eastern rosellas, New Zealand Bush Falcon and Welcome swallow visit the Garden more infrequently. The diversity of habitat at the Garden provides important habitat for native fauna moving throughout the town belt and other surrounding reserves. Pest control at this site is for two driving factors: Prevent damage to important plant collections and native habitat and protect native birds, lizards and invertebrates.
November 30, 2021
Botanic Garden trapping – City Sanctuary
maximios city
You and your trap line crew will be responsible for checking, clearing and rebaiting the possum, rat and stoat traps that are located on your allocated line. You will also report any maintenance issues and trap catch records via the Trap.NZ app or website. Training, protective equipment and trap check tools will be provided to you.
Work environment
Most of the traps will be located within the forested sections of the Garden. Some sections of the reserve are steep and can become slippery during wet weather. Traplines will not be serviced in high-winds or wet weather. You will be working by yourself most of the time, unless you would like to take a friend or trapping buddy along with you. Your trapping schedule will be coordinated with City Sanctuary staff.
Because this is a managed reserve there are strict rules that must be followed. These include checking in with the site manager before and after checking your trap line, wearing a Hi-Vis at all times, completing a site induction and carrying all possums off site to disposal locations.
Trap lines
Leith River Loop (30 minutes-1.30 hour)
This switchback track takes you along the Leith river and up through regenerating native forest. Traps are positioned above and below the tracks, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be confident at climbing up steep slopes
Fern Gully (30-45 minutes)
This nice week loop follows walking tracks through a fern-clad gully and out into a gum tree section of the garden. Although tracks are well maintained access to some of the traps are on slopes and can sometimes be slippery. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be confident at walking off track.
Rhododendron Loop (45 minutes – 1.30 hour)
This scenic loop takes you through beautiful sections of the Rhododendron dell as well as regenerating native bush. Although tracks are well maintained in this area, access to some of the traps are on slopes and can sometimes be slippery. You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and be confident at walking off track.
Time commitment
Four people will be assigned to each trapline. The traplines will need to be checked twice a week. You will need to be able to check the traps once a fortnight. This may decrease/ increase depending on seasonal variation with the pest species.
Skills/attributes required
• Positive and respectful attitude towards health and safety and ensuring animal welfare• Experience or interest in doing predator control and working with modern trap technology• Good communications skills• Moderate level of fitness (able to carry 5kg pack over 4 hours on uneven ground)• Be comfortable volunteering alone in forested areas• Comfortable handling pest animal carcasses
• Should live or work locally to the pest control area
Sign up
Email [email protected] to register your interest. We will be in touch with the next available induction dates.
About the site
Dunedin Botanic Garden is the oldest Botanic Garden in New Zealand, founded in 1863.Currently the Garden occupies 30.4 hectares within more than 8,600 plant species. The Botanic Garden includes 15 native bush areas that covers 11.5 hectares of the grounds. The bush areas are an attractive habitat for birds. The most common species are: Bellbird, Blackbird, Brown Creeper, Fantail, Finch, Grey warbler, Hedge and house Sparrows, Redpoll, Silver eye and Wax eye, Starling, Thrush, Wood pigeon and mallard and Paradise ducks. Birds like the Eastern rosellas, New Zealand Bush Falcon and Welcome swallow visit the Garden more infrequently. The diversity of habitat at the Garden provides important habitat for native fauna moving throughout the town belt and other surrounding reserves. Pest control at this site is for two driving factors: Prevent damage to important plant collections and native habitat and protect native birds, lizards and invertebrates.