Outdoor Rental Centre Lead

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago is seeking an experienced and student‑focused leader to take full ownership of the Outdoor Rental Centre and Trotters Gorge Hut. Based within Unipol Recreation, you will oversee day‑to‑day operations, bookings, budgeting, and team development.

You will bring strong leadership, community focus, and a commitment to safety and inclusivity, with relevant qualifications in outdoor recreation or management.

Qualifications

• Experience in outdoor recreation or equipment rental.
• Proven leadership and customer service skills.
• Strong organisational capability and ability to manage priorities.
• Commitment to health and safety, inclusion and student wellbeing.
• Current First Aid Certificate and full NZ driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the Outdoor Rental Centre and Trotters Gorge Hut, leading day-to-day operations and development.
• Manage equipment, bookings, procurement, inventory, and budgets.
• Lead and develop the Outdoor Rental Coordinator and student staff.
• Ensure high standards of customer service, safety, compliance, and risk management.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the service while promoting student wellbeing and belonging.
• Provide expert advice on equipment selection, use, and safety.

Skills

Outdoor recreation

Equipment rental

Leadership

Customer service

Relationship building

Health and safety

First Aid

NZ Driver's Licence

Education

Relevant qualification in outdoor recreation, leadership or management

Job description

The University of OtagoTe Whare Wānanga o Otāgo The University of Otago is New Zealand’s first university and one of its finest. It is a leader across all fields of academic endeavour – the humanities, sciences, health sciences and...

The role | Te mahi

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career.
We're looking for an experienced and student-focused leader to take full ownership of the University of Otago's Outdoor Rental Centre and Trotters Gorge Hut.

In this role, you will:

• Take full ownership of the Outdoor Rental Centre and Trotters Gorge Hut, leading their day-to-day operation and ongoing development.
• Manage equipment, bookings, procurement, inventory, and budgets.
• Lead and develop the Outdoor Rental Coordinator and a team of student employees
• Ensure high standards of customer service, safety, compliance, and risk management.
• Identify opportunities to enhance and grow the service while promoting student wellbeing, connection, and belonging.
• Provide expert advice on equipment selection, use, and safety.

Based within Unipol Recreation, the Outdoor Rental Centre helps thousands of students access outdoor adventures each year. Located in one of New Zealand's premier outdoor destinations, we provide students with access to equipment, expert gear advice, and opportunities to enjoy a wide range of outdoor experiences.

As the only university in New Zealand with an outdoor rental centre of this scale, we're proud to play an important role in the student experience.

You will bring:

• Experience in outdoor recreation, equipment rental, recreation management, or a related field.
• A relevant qualification in outdoor recreation, leadership, or management.
• Proven leadership, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative capability, including managing competing priorities.
• A commitment to health and safety, inclusion, and student wellbeing.
• A current First Aid Certificate and full New Zealand driver's licence.

This is a rare opportunity to combine your love of the outdoors with a rewarding leadership role that makes a real difference to the student experience. This is someone's dream job – if it's yours, we'd love to hear from you!

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours) position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. You'll generally work within the Centre's operating hours of 9am-7pm, Monday to Friday, with some weekend work required during peak and busy periods.

The appointment range for this role is $69.931 to $74,609. Top of range it $80,285.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this role.

For further information, please contact Liz Campbell, via the contact details below.