Paul van Klink is an avid salmon and fly fisherman and hunter, who has spent most his working life outdoors.
Mr van Klink said he has about 20 years of wildlife and environmental experience from working and contracting for the Department of Conservation.
He specialised in bird research, tracking native birds, and finding and protecting the endangered whio (blue duck) with his specially trained dog Hoki.
Mr van Klink, who lived in Wanaka, said he took the job because it offered him a chance to stay in region. He was used to working on the West Coast and in Fiordland.
''I was just getting a little bit sick of being away all the time ... this came up and I thought, great.''
He was only three weeks into the job but was already learning a ''whole new skill set'' and was ''exploring new areas and looking around''.
''I really enjoy Otago's diversity and the huge range of waters.''
The role included fishing and water management, advocacy in schools and talking to angling clubs and other water groups.
His work with the Doc had been mostly project management and he said this new position meant he was going to be ''working across a range of issues''.
The outdoors man said he was looking forward to the new role.
''It's not just a job, it's a lifestyle.''
