Ranger (Visitor Centre) | Tūtei (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation (DOC); Arthur's Pass; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation possibility

Job summary

Department of Conservation (DOC) invites applicants for a Fixed Term Visitor Centre role in Arthur's Pass. You will provide expert advice on conservation, recreation, and safety to visitors from around the world, and coordinate bookings for huts and campgrounds while promoting local heritage.

Based in Arthur's Pass National Park, the role supports media and community engagement initiatives and requires weekend availability. Accommodation may be available under tenancy arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience in a visitor centre, tourism, retail, sales, or other customer-facing environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to remain organised and maintain high standards in a busy environment.
• Interest in conservation and knowledge of Arthur's Pass National Park is an advantage.
• Confidence using computer systems and learning new technology.
• Ability to communicate safety information clearly and positively.
• Availability to work weekends and public holidays.
• A current full New Zealand driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Providing up-to-date information on recreation opportunities, conservation projects, weather, safety, and track and hut conditions.
• Liaising with field staff to ensure accurate visitor information.
• Sharing the stories and cultural heritage of Tangata Whenua and Aotearoa.
• Managing bookings for DOC huts and campgrounds and issuing hunting permits.
• Promoting and selling retail merchandise.
• Delivering clear and positive visitor safety messages.
• Supporting media, communications, and community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Visitor centre experience

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Organised

Safety communications

Weekend availability

Driver's license

Computer systems

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

• If you love people, nature, and keeping things running smoothly, keep reading...
• Fixed Term opportunity – till end of March 2027 | Based in Arthur’s Pass
• Salary Range $61,189 - $67,446, salary dependent on experience

Live and work in the heart of Arthur's Pass, connecting people with nature every day

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

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As the welcoming face of Te Papa Atawhai, our Visitor Centre team creates memorable experiences for visitors from around the world. You'll provide expert advice on conservation, recreation, and safety across Arthur's Pass National Park, and the wider Canterbury region.

Based in the heart of the Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, this is a rewarding opportunity to connect people with New Zealand's unique natural and cultural heritage.

The position will be focussed on:

• Providing up-to-date information on recreation opportunities, conservation projects, weather, safety, and track and hut conditions.
• Liaising with field staff to ensure accurate visitor information.
• Sharing the stories and cultural heritage of Tangata Whenua and Aotearoa.
• Managing bookings for DOC huts and campgrounds and issuing hunting permits.
• Promoting and selling retail merchandise.
• Delivering clear and positive visitor safety messages.
• Supporting media, communications, and community engagement initiatives.

Our Visitor Centre operates seven days a week. This role works a five days on, two days off roster and includes working both Saturday and Sunday.

DOC shared accommodation may be available for the successful candidate through a tenancy agreement. Please note that pets are not permitted in DOC accommodation, as it is located within the National Park.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

This is a varied and fast-paced role that requires flexibility, initiative, and a passion for helping visitors connect with our natural environment. We're keen to hear from you if you have some of the following:

• Experience in a visitor centre, tourism, retail, sales, or other customer-facing environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and work effectively as part of a team
• The ability to remain organised and maintain high standards in a busy environment
• An interest in conservation and the outdoors, with knowledge of Arthur's Pass National Park and the surrounding area an advantage
• Confidence using computer systems and learning new technology
• The ability to communicate safety information clearly and positively
• Availability to work weekends and public holidays
• A current full New Zealand driver's licence

He aha ngā pāinga mōu? | What’s in it for you?

DOC is committed to a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow. We’re driven by our values and behaviours, and are working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive by default.

Want to know more?

Salary: $61,189 - $67,446, depending on skills and experience.

Eligibility: You must hold a valid NZ work visa that covers the duration of employment.

Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies for this role.

Rā whakakapi | Applications close

at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 15th September. This advert may close early, so please apply promptly

Me he pātai anō, whakapā mai | For further enquiries

please contact Leeza Young, Senior Recruitment Advisor, [e-mail]