Ranger, Search and Rescue

Department of Conservation (DOC); Canterbury; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation agency in New Zealand is looking for a Team Leader for the Alpine Rescue Team at Aoraki/Mount Cook. This full-time role requires high competency in alpine skills, including climbing and skiing. The successful candidate will lead rescue operations and will need to meet safety standards in alpine environments. Competitive salary and benefits offered, alongside a unique working environment.

Benefits

Sole-occupancy DOC accommodation if required

Encouragement to join volunteer responder services

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in climbing and skiing.
• Current climbing and skiing logbook to NZMGA standard.
• Current full driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team.
• Participate in search and rescue operations.
• Train and mentor team members.

Skills

Rock/ice climbing competency

Alpine skiing competency

Climbing a range of Aoraki/Mount Cook grade III

Expert alpine skier

NZ Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management

PHEC qualification

Computer literacy

Education

New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5)

Job description

Overview

Join the frontline of alpine rescue in Aoraki/Mount Cook - where your skills save lives.

Salary: $65,070 to $75,981

Full time, permanent role starting in November; flexible start date considered for the right candidate.

About the organisation

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive. Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Role

This role will function as a developing Team Leader for our Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team. The team operates during both on-call operations and trainings with one team leader for the task and two to four rescuers. The team is responsible for delivery of key functions: provision of search and rescue response work, training, and programme maintenance and development.

The successful applicant will be required to live in Aoraki/Mount Cook and participate in the seasonal standby and duty officer roster.

This is a unique role and work environment which requires a high level of physical and mental fitness. An ongoing interest in developing industry best practices, mentoring of staff and alpinism are key qualities for the successful applicant.

To ensure currency and competency in the alpine environment all staff are required to meet minimum standards in alpine climbing and skiing to satisfy the health and safety requirements of the AMCART program.

Sole-occupancy DOC accommodation is available if required.

If successful for the role, you’ll be encouraged to join FENZ/ St. John services as a volunteer responder.

Skills and experience

Essential skills:

• Rock/ ice climbing, mountaineering and alpine skiing competency to a high skill level with demonstrated experience and currency in both summer and winter disciplines
• Must be able to verify skills/ experience with current climbing and skiing logbook to NZMGA standard
• Capable of climbing (minimum) a range of Aoraki/Mount Cook seriousness grade III
• Capable of climbing a range of rock grade 16 on traditional protection
• Expert alpine skier in steep, glaciated terrain
• New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5) OR recognized overseas equivalent (A3 Pro 1, CAA Operations 1 or similar)
• PHEC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care) Medical qualification (or equivalent)
• Current full driving licence required
• Computer literate using Word, Excel and cloud-based computing products

• Specialist skills and experience within one or more of the following areas:
  • Search and rescue or emergency management
  • Ability to produce a professional operational avalanche forecast
  • Visitor information delivery and management
  • Visitor hazard management systems
  • Working at height or Industrial Rope Access

• Desirable qualifications:
  • Suitable guiding qualifications – NZMGA Hard Ice/Alpine Trekking/Ski Guide/Climbing Guide/IFMGA or recognized overseas equivalent
  • Suitable instruction qualifications – NZOIA Bush 2/Alpine 2/Rock 2
  • A logbook suitable for application to the NZMGA Ski and Climbing Guide pathways
  • Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) 2/4 qualifications
  • New Zealand Certificate in Avalanche Risk Management (Level 6) OR recognized overseas equivalent (A3 Pro 2, CAA Operations 2 or similar) – or able to be completed in an agreed period
  • Advanced first aid/medical qualification, e.g. EMT (or equivalent)
  • Advanced risk management/avalanche terrain mapping/emergency management skills or qualifications

What’s in it for you?

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.

Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

The salary range for this position is $65,070 to $75,981 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Applications close

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 15 October.

For further enquiries

For further enquiries, please contact Charlotte Day at [e-mail]