Ranger (Visitor Centre) | Tūtei (Fixed Term)

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 61,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DOC shared accommodation

Job summary

Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai in Arthur's Pass seeks a visitor centre representative to provide expert advice on conservation, recreation, and safety for visitors to the national park and wider Canterbury region. The role involves information delivery, bookings management, and promoting local heritage.

The position offers a 5-on/2-off roster, weekend work, potential DOC accommodation, and a 0.8 FTE option (32 hours per week). Salary $61,189–$67,446, depending on experience.

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 in a team.
• Ability to remain organised and maintain high standards in a busy environment.
• Interest in conservation and outdoors, knowledge of Arthur's Pass NP an advantage.
• Current full New Zealand driver's licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide up-to-date information on recreation opportunities, conservation projects, weather, safety, and track/hut conditions.
• Liaise with field staff to ensure accurate visitor information.
• Share stories and cultural heritage of Tangata Whenua and Aotearoa.
• Manage bookings for huts and campgrounds and issue hunting permits.
• Promote and sell retail merchandise.
• Deliver clear and positive visitor safety messages.
• Support media, communications, and community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Customer-facing experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organisation能力

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 Open to candidates looking for 0.8 or 1 FTE (32 hours +) Salary Range $61,189 - $67,446, salary dependent on experience (1FTE) 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.

Click here for the Role Description

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. We also welcome applications from candidates seeking a 0.8 FTE position (32 hours per week). Weekend work will still be required.

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? Tonoa inaiānei

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.

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

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

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. Our people bring this vision to life. Spread across Aotearoa, they care for our land, water, and native species. From frontline rangers and technical experts to vital support teams - we have a diverse range of roles. Read more about DOC