Ranger, Search and Rescue – Department of Conservation – Aoraki/Mount Cook

Department of Conservation; Aoraki / Mount Cook; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking a developing Team Leader for the Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team. The role involves managing rescue operations, ensuring safety standards, and participating in seasonal rosters. Successful candidates must have strong climbing and skiing skills, relevant medical qualifications, and the ability to work in a challenging environment. This is a full-time, permanent position, starting in November with a salary range of $65,070 to $75,981.

Benefits

Sole-occupancy DOC accommodation available

Qualifications

• Competency in summer and winter climbing disciplines.
• Ability to verify skills with a NZMGA standard logbook.
• Capable of climbing Aoraki/Mount Cook seriousness grade III.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team.
• Participate in seasonal standby and duty officer roster.
• Ensure health and safety compliance in alpine climbing.

Skills

Rock/ice climbing competency

Mountaineering experience

Alpine skiing competency

Avalanche Risk Management (Level 5)

PHEC Medical 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.

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

Our 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.

About the role

This role will function as a developing Team Leader for our Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team. The team functions during 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.

Role Description

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

• 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 recognised 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 recognised overseas equivalent (A3 Pro 2, CAA Operations 2 or similar) – or able to be completed in an agreed period
• Advanced first aid/medical qualification, eg 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. You can learn more about what we offer here.

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 at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 15 October.

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