Lead Tour Guide | Dark Sky Project

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; Lake Tekapo; Sur place; NZD 55 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is seeking a Lead Tour Guide to deliver immersive astronomy experiences at Lake Tekapo and surrounding sites. You will guide visitors, interpret phenomena, and tell cultural narratives that connect people with place and science.

You'll coach fellow guides, coordinate tours, and adapt plans to weather while upholding Ngāi Tahu values and manaakitanga. A supportive, knowledge-rich environment awaits.

Qualifications

• NZQCF Level 3 qualification (or higher) in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, science communication, education, tourism, or a related field; or a minimum of three years' relevant experience in astronomy, astronomy education, science communication, public engagement, visitor interpretation, tour guiding, or a related field.
• Experience delivering guided experiences, educational presentations, public talks, or visitor interpretation; strong storytelling and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information in an engaging and accessible manner; experience in a customer-facing environment; weather and operations awareness.

Responsabilités

• Deliver exceptional guided astronomy experiences for domestic and international visitors.
• Interpret astronomical phenomena and share engaging commentary tailored to a wide range of audiences.
• Explain astronomy concepts and cultural narratives in an informative and accessible way.
• Coach, mentor, and support guides to maintain high standards of guiding, customer service, and visitor engagement.
• Assist with day-to-day coordination of tour operations and logistics.
• Support decision-making, including weather-related tour adjustments and cancellations.
• Conduct visitor briefings and ensure experiences are delivered safely and professionally.
• Drive visitors between experience locations as required.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture; uphold Ngāi Tahu values.
• Support ongoing development of astronomy content and guiding standards across the business.

Connaissances

Guiding experience

Communication

Storytelling

Presentation skills

Customer service

Decision making

Coaching/Mentoring

Driver licence

First Aid

Ngāi Tahu knowledge

Formation

NZQCF Level 3 in astronomy/physics/science communication/tourism

3+ years relevant experience in astronomy/education/communication/public engagement

Description du poste

Do you have a passion for astronomy, storytelling, and creating unforgettable visitor experiences?

Join the team at Dark Sky Project and help bring the wonders of the night sky to life for manuhiri from around the world. As our Lead Tour Guide, you'll combine your guiding expertise, customer focus, and astronomy knowledge to deliver world-class experiences beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth.

About the Role

Reporting to the Guiding Team Leader, you'll play a key role in the delivery of exceptional astronomy experiences while providing day-to-day support, coaching, and technical guidance to fellow guides. You'll help ensure our tours are safe, engaging, informative, and memorable, while fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and manaakitaka.

Based in Lake Takapō, you'll guide visitors through immersive astronomy experiences at locations including Ōtehīwai/Mt John, Cowan's Observatory, and other sites throughout the Mackenzie District. You'll share stories of the night sky, interpret astronomical phenomena, and create meaningful connections between people, place, science, and culture.

What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver exceptional guided astronomy experiences for domestic and international visitors
• Interpret astronomical phenomena and share engaging commentary tailored to a wide range of audiences
• Explain astronomy concepts and cultural narratives in an informative and accessible way
• Support, coach, and mentor guides to maintain high standards of guiding, customer service, and visitor engagement
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of tour operations and logistics
• Support operational decision-making, including weather-related tour adjustments and cancellations
• Conduct visitor briefings and ensure all experiences are delivered safely and professionally
• Drive visitors between experience locations as required
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture
• Uphold Ngāi Tahu values and contribute to an outstanding visitor experience
• Support the ongoing development of astronomy content and guiding standards across the business

What You'll Bring

Applicants must have either:

• An NZQCF Level 3 qualification (or higher) in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, science communication, education, tourism, or a related field; or
• A minimum of three years' relevant experience in astronomy, astronomy education, science communication, public engagement, visitor interpretation, tour guiding, or a related field.

You’ll also have:

• Experience delivering guided experiences, educational presentations, public talks, or visitor interpretation
• Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills
• The ability to communicate complex information in an engaging and accessible manner
• Experience working in a customer-facing environment
• The ability to assess changing weather and operational conditions and make sound decisions
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting the development of others
• A valid New Zealand Driver Licence
• A P Endorsement and Class 2 Licence, or the ability to obtain them
• A current First Aid Certificate, or the ability to obtain one
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, Ngāi Tahu values, tikanga, and te reo Māori
• A genuine passion for creating memorable visitor experiences

Why Join Us?

• Work beneath one of the world's most spectacular night skies
• Be part of a passionate and knowledgeable guiding team
• Share your love of astronomy with visitors from around the globe
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Work for an organisation guided by manaakitaka, kaitiakitaka, and cultural connection
• Contribute to experiences that inspire, educate, and connect people to Te Manahuna and the night sky
• Join Ngāi Tahu Tourism, one of Aotearoa's leading tourism organisations